The dangers of football return – international commentator

Its been months without football around many parts of the world, the boos and cheers by supporters as they watch their favorite stars perform came to halt as the world fights the covid-19 pandemic.

Already the German and Spanish leagues have resumed with the English Premier League expected to return on June 17, but international commentator, Jim Beglin has expressed concern over the return of football around the globe, describing it as recipe for more trouble.

Speaking as a panel discussing the return of football  on a Joy News programme, PM Express, Beglin was concerned about the well-being of the players and whether they would be able to cope with the demanding schedule of the league.

Using the German Bundesliga as a reference, Beglin touched on the injury rate among players increasing in the EPL as some teams will be playing twice a week despite players not being up to full match fitness due to their long stay at home.

“The injury rate in the Bundesliga has risen by 225%. The Bayer Leverkusen coach came out the other day saying that every single one of his players has complained of issues whether being slight or serious. So there’s been a huge impact in terms of the injury situation,” he said.

However, Beglin believed that the changes in the substitution rule could help remedy the situation to some extent.

“Nine substitutes are going to be allowed now on the bench with five usable on matchday. I think that is very important to the way things are currently shaping.”

He is expected to be on duty for the crucial game between Manchester City vs Arsenal come June 17 when the English Premier League begins.