Aston Villa goalkeeper Pepe Reina slams England's reaction to coronavirus

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 March 2020

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina, on loan at Aston Villa from AC Milan, criticises the way in which the English authorities are dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Pepe Reina has criticised English football's reaction to the coronavirus outbreak.

All matches in England's top leagues have been suspended until April 4 at the earliest, after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi both tested positive for COVID-19.

Spanish goalkeeper Reina has seen his homeland introduce drastic measures to combat the spread of the virus, as residents have been banned from leaving their homes unless absolutely essential.

Speaking to Marca, the 37-year-old has slammed the English authorities for how they have handled the situation, saying: "In England, they told us to be prudent and try to stay at home as much as possible, but we've just got the weekend off and have been called in to train on Monday.

"Only those clubs who had positive tests, like Chelsea or Arsenal, are in quarantine, but we are training as normal. It would be madness to continue playing, as we all have to take this situation seriously.

"The other countries have already made radical decisions and we have to do the same. England cannot just close their eyes and look the other way. Life and health are more important than football."

Reina is currently on loan at Dean Smith's side from AC Milan.