The Heightened Risk for Black Players in Football’s Return
As the Premier League gears up for its potential restart, former Reading winger and current Leyton Orient player-coach Jobi McAnuff has raised a critical concern: the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on black footballers. Recent data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that black individuals are up to four times more likely to die from coronavirus than their white counterparts. McAnuff, speaking to Baji999, emphasized that this alarming statistic must be a key consideration in football’s return-to-play protocols.
Why This Matters for the Premier League
The Premier League’s demographic composition adds urgency to McAnuff’s concerns. Black players make up roughly 35% of the league—a significant portion of its workforce. While elite footballers benefit from top-tier healthcare and fitness, the virus’s racial disparities extend beyond socioeconomic factors. Even after accounting for living conditions and wealth, studies show black individuals still face twice the mortality risk.
McAnuff pointed out:
“Footballers have families. If a player contracts COVID-19, they could unknowingly expose vulnerable relatives. This isn’t just about athletes—it’s about their communities.”
Broader Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Outcomes
The ONS report also highlighted elevated risks for other ethnic minorities:
- Bangladeshi & Pakistani men: 3.6x higher death rate
- Bangladeshi & Pakistani women: 3.4x higher
- Indian men: 2.4x higher
- Indian women: 2.7x higher
These findings suggest that any restart plan must include tailored health protections for players from high-risk backgrounds.
What’s Next for the Premier League?
Premier League shareholders are set to meet to finalize restart plans, with training potentially resuming in mid-May and matches in June. The Bundesliga’s May 16 restart has provided optimism, but McAnuff insists that player welfare—especially for black and ethnic minority athletes—must be prioritized.
Former Manchester City defender Danny Mills questioned the feasibility of neutral venues, adding another layer to the debate:
“If we’re forcing players into unfamiliar environments, how do we ensure their safety extends beyond the pitch?”
Baji999 Take: A Call for Proactive Measures
McAnuff’s plea underscores a broader issue: football’s return cannot ignore societal inequalities magnified by the pandemic. Clubs and leagues must:
- Conduct individualized risk assessments for players from high-risk demographics.
- Implement stricter testing and isolation protocols for those with vulnerable family members.
- Engage with medical experts to address racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.
As the world watches the Premier League’s next move, Baji999 believes proactive steps will define whether football’s comeback is truly inclusive—or another missed opportunity for equity.
What are your thoughts? Should the Premier League delay its restart until player safety is guaranteed? Share your views below!
