Guardiola fears Premier League players may go on strike

• Meeting ‘Waste Of Time,’ Says Spurs Boss
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has raised the possibility of players going on strike over their welfare following the spread of COVID-19.

He said he does not think it will happen, but that a strike may be the only way to get the authorities to listen.

Norwich boss Dean Smith said yesterday it was “lunacy” his side are having to play two games in 48 hours despite more COVID cases in the squad.

The Canaries, who bottom of the table and three points from safety, host Arsenal on Sunday at 15:00 GMT before playing away at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, kick-off 15:00.

Smith said Norwich, who have not played since 14 December because of the virus, had “fresh cases”.

“We are not sure how many will miss Boxing Day,” he added.

“There has got to be a question about the integrity of the competition when teams are playing weakened teams against other teams and it is affecting league positions.”

Asked whether he would back a players’ strike, he added: “I don’t think you can. We have to follow the guidelines of the league that we are in.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss, Antonio Conte, says Thursday’s meeting between managers and the Premier League to discuss issues around the COVID-19 pandemic was like talking to a brick wall.

On Monday, the league chose to continue playing through the Christmas period.

Three games on 26 December have now been postponed, taking the total to 13, while players and club staff returned a record 90 positive tests last week.

Culled from BBCSports