Nuno Espirito Santo has pleaded with Government ministers not to suspend football simply because players are struggling to avoid hugging each other after scoring.
English football will again be under the spotlight this weekend after clubs largely ignored tough new coronavirus protocols during midweek games, after players were told they could not embrace when celebrating a goal.
Wolves boss Nuno urged Premier League and Government officials to show understanding with footballers asked to break the habits of a lifetime.
‘We are making a big effort to try to continue,’ said Nuno. ‘We want to avoid [a stoppage] as we realise it’s tough for society. But if football stops, it cannot be because somebody makes a mistake in a game.
‘Let’s be fair. Everyone in the game has been tested the day before. Let’s be fair in our judgements of behaviours, as football is about emotion and it’s about contact.
‘Even the media should be careful when judging some behaviours that go against what we ask for society. We speak to the players but it’s too emotional not to touch your team-mate when he scores a goal. I don’t know if there is a solution.
‘Everyone – especially the players – are making a big effort to keep football moving. The new protocols show the League and the Government are trying to help, knowing that we have to avoid things we are used to.’
Wolves face West Bromwich Albion in the Black Country derby, seeking to improve a poor recent run that has seen them win only one of their last eight matches.