Coronavirus: Chris Kamara says it’s outrageous that footballers are asked to take wage cuts
Written by News on 01/05/2020
Sky Sports football pundit Chris Kamara says it is “outrageous” footballers are being asked to take wage cuts.
Speaking to Sarah-Jane Mee on the In This Together podcast, he said footballers give enough money in tax and shouldn’t be pressured to have their incomes slashed to help the effort during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The former football manager and ex-player said: “I know everyone talks about how ridiculous money that they earn, but the amount of tax they pay towards the government… that goes towards the NHS.”
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Kamara – known as Kammy – told Sarah-Jane that it is unfair footballers are being “singled” out.
He added: “There are so many other sports where people earn astronomical amounts of money. Not just football – so leave football alone.”
He’s providing commentary for a new football initiative raising money for staff – the NHS Charities Together Cup.
It features popular sporting stars including cricketer Ben Stokes, footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and boxer Dillian Whyte, battling against each other in a series of FIFA 20 matches.
The initiative hopes to raise £100m for NHS charities.
The Ninja Warrior host also criticised the extra scrutiny placed on footballers.
He said footballers are “doing their little bit in their own little way” – and it is their choice whether they publicise their efforts or not.
“It is personal choice, it has to be. Whatever charity choice you decide to give to, it has to be personal choice.”
Kamara says he is missing football and is “scratching around” for old football matches to watch.
He hopes the Premier League returns soon – but thinks it may have to be done gradually – and without football fans initially.
“The fans make the Premier League; the fans make the football league and the fans make the non-league.
“The Premier League is as big as it is because of the atmosphere, the environment, the way that the fans flock to the stadium and give it a real turnout. For the fans not to be involved, would be sad.”
Kamara’s certain that most clubs want to “play it out” and hopes football authorities come up with the “right decision” soon.
In This Together focuses on the good news emerging from the coronavirus pandemic, community projects, uplifting moments and local heroes.
(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Chris Kamara says it’s outrageous that footballers are asked to take wage cuts
