English Premier League ban handshakes between players!

The customary handshakes between players and officials in the moments before Premier League games kick-off have been temporarily banned to aid the fight against coronavirus.

The Premier League confirmed that gesture will not take place ‘until further notice’ based on medical advice.

Coronavirus is contracted by the spread of droplets, and a handshake can easily transfer the virus.

Players will still walk onto the pitch as usual, before walking past the opposing side without shaking hands.

The full Premier League statement says: “For health reasons, there will be no shaking of hands between players ahead of Premier League matches

“The Premier League fair-play handshake will not take place between players and match officials from this weekend until further notice based on medical advice.

“Coronavirus is spread via droplets from the nose and mouth and can be transmitted on to the hands and passed on via a handshake.

“Clubs and match officials will still perform the rest of the traditional walk-out protocol ahead of each fixture.

“On entering the field of play, the two teams will continue to line up, accompanied by the Premier League music, then players from the home team will walk past their opposition without shaking their hands.”