Danny Rose blasts potential Premier League restart

English left back Danny Rose verbally lashed out at the Premier League potentially resuming the 2019-20 season in June amid the coronavirus pandemic during an Instagram Live session on Monday.

As Tony Mogan of The Evening Standard wrote, the outspoken Newcastle United loanee left no doubt about his feelings:

"The government is saying we are bringing football back because it is going to boost the nation's morale. I don't give a f--- about the nation's morale, people’s lives are at risk. Football shouldn't even be spoke about coming back until the numbers have dropped massively. It's bollocks. We'll see. I'm supposed to tested on Friday so we will just have to wait and see."

Earlier Monday, England cleared the country's top-flight competition to return, albeit with matches played behind closed doors and with no fans in attendance, as early as June 1. The Football Association has reportedly informed clubs that promotion and relegation, qualification for European competitions, and the league title will all be determined via "sporting merit." 

The Dutch Eredivisie voided its season entirely last month. 

Rose became the latest professional athlete to question the resumption of sports competitions during the pandemic. In late April, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero said players were "scared" to return to training and games. Boston Red Sox pitcher Collin McHugh suggested some MLB players may choose to sit an altered 2020 season out due to fears about their safety.