David Ornstein had a nice coup land last night as he had sight of a letter that some (but not individually named) Premier League medics had sent to league’s medical advisor Mark Gillett and director of football Richard Garlick, the Premier League Doctors Group (PLDG).
Now in the interests of transparency, I should point out that I am not a doctor, but as the old joke goes, I am however prepared to have a look at it. One of the core tenets of science is common sense and I and many of my readers have in spades.
As per this recent blog, the primary concern to everyone right now is social distancing in order to maintain controlled environments.
The entire premise of the plan to conclude this season and to start the following one is that everyone keeps safe, which can be achieved by adherence to strict environment controlling rules.
Yet to read extracts of the letter from the letter shared with The Athletic, one is hit with an endless list of fantasy that occasionally veers into the realms of science fiction plots.
For example. Possible transmission via sweat and goalkeeper gloves. Sweat from one negative tested player to another negative tested player is harmless.
Increased risk for black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. This is definitely a thing, and the supporting evidence in the process of being evaluated, as Professor Jonathan Van-Tam (Deputy Chief Medical Officer) advised in the UK government presser yesterday. Again, however, one negative tested player cannot have any effect upon another negative tested player, even if they are of a more susceptible ethnicity.
The club medics reference a “contact pool” and this also suggests a failure to understand just what a controlled environment is.
All of this is frankly depressing to wade through and certainly gives me an indication that some clubs are looking to baffle and bluster their way out of a situation that would require a most concentrated commitment from staff who a cynic might suggest were happier asking players “where does it hurt?” occasionally.
The proposed operations of Project Restart will require a disciplined approach from all those involved, players will have to do as they are told and so will officials and members of the coaching staff. None of these people will be able to wander around in public or meet with anyone outside their respective camps which will be comprised solely of those involved in the games.
What is being asked of everyone is neither complex nor unreasonable, however, it will include a zero-tolerance towards self-indulgence or absent-mindedness.
I would be fascinated to hear Professor Van-Tam give his thoughts on the matter. Perhaps in the coming weeks, we shall.