A number of Liverpool fans have expressed their disgust at the club’s decision to place some of their non-playing staff on furlough during the suspension of the Premier League, which has been described by some supporters as “disgraceful“.
The recourse was communicated as part of a statement from Liverpool FC on their official website and also shared on Twitter via @LFC. It read: “Liverpool FC has placed some staff who are impacted by the Premier League suspension on furlough. The club has confirmed those staff will be paid 100 per cent of their salaries to ensure no member of staff is financially disadvantaged. Last month the club also confirmed that it would pay its matchday and non-matchday staff while the Premier League is suspended.”
#LFC is continuing to deal with a range of challenges caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to update supporters on the progress that has been made to date. https://t.co/0QAiCSVDv6
— Liverpool FC (at ?) (@LFC) April 4, 2020
Liverpool are not the only club to have furloughed non-playing employees in recent days – Bournemouth, Newcastle, Norwich and Tottenham have all taken similar action at their respective clubs (as per The Guardian). The news comes only one day after Reds captain Jordan Henderson was reported to have taken the lead in organising a fund from fellow Premier League skippers to support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic (as per The Times).
The decision of top-flight clubs to put some staff on furlough was criticised by Julian Knight, the chair of the digital, culture, media and sport committee, earlier this week, and these Liverpool fans on Twitter were enraged by their club’s decision to implement such action at Anfield:
Poor form
— Billy Campbell (@BillyCampbell_1) April 4, 2020
Disgraceful from everyone at the club including the players
— Marc (@Wavvessssssssss) April 4, 2020
Do not agree with this. We’re better than that.
— Rob Rogers (@RobRogers94) April 4, 2020
If you’re taking Government money to fund this, it’s an absolute joke.
— MQ (@quinlanomonlano) April 4, 2020
Relying on the government to pay 80% of your staffs wages is a disgrace when you are earning so much money
The scheme is for companies who are struggling with cash flow— Gerry (@ATW1062) April 4, 2020
Surely the club can stand this,poor imo.
— Gary (@garylouth) April 4, 2020
First time in a long time, I am disappointed in my club! Premier League teams shouldn’t have the need to furlough employees! ?
— MMalik (@muhith_malik) April 4, 2020
@PeterMooreLFC if I am reading this right and Govt are paying 80% then that is absolutely shameful from LFC. As a lifelong supporter I am embarrassed that my club who are one of the richest in the world are using this scheme. Please have a rethink as it does not reflect well ?
— Wannabe (@Wannabe_Biker46) April 4, 2020
Liverpool fans, do you think the club acted inappropriately in placing non-playing staff on furlough? Comment below with your views.
