Spanish club Eibar fear 'terrible consequences' of returning amid coronavirus pandemic

Spanish La Liga club Eibar have openly addressed concerns about returning to action amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As reported by Reuters on Tuesday, Eibar became the first top-flight club in the country to express worries regarding the completion of the 2019-20 season that was suspended in March due to the virus outbreak.

In a statement given to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Eibar players said:

"We are worried about starting an activity in which we will not be able to complete the first recommendation of all experts which is physical distance.
"It worries us that by doing what we like most we could get infected and infect our family and friends and even contribute to a new wave of the pandemic with the terrible consequences that would have for the whole population." 

Per Reuters, Spain has been hit with over 25,000 deaths related to coronavirus as of May 5. 

A La Liga spokesman responded to the Eibar statement: 

"This is an unprecedented time. However, we are taking many precautions for a safe and controlled return of football. Playing football will be safer than, for example, going to the supermarket or pharmacy."

Eibar currently sit 16th in the La Liga table and two points safe of the relegation zone. All clubs have 11 matches remaining on their domestic calendars. 

On Monday, Sid Lowe of The Guardian reported that La Liga players will return to training this week with the hope that the country's top two divisions could resume in the middle of June. No exact return date has been announced by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

Last week, ESPN's Alex Shaw reported that "a growing number of Premier League players" don't wish to return because of fears about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. The following day, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero told "El Chiringuito" that a "majority" of players are scared of playing without being protected by a coronavirus vaccine.