Gary Neville says most Premier League clubs 'frightened' to back season restart

Former England defender believes stakeholders wary of being held liable should something go wrong

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville said Premier League clubs have not made enough public declarations. PA

Gary Neville has criticised the Premier League and most clubs for failing to make the case for resuming the season soon.

The former Manchester United and England defender accused them of being "frightened to death" to publicly back plans to restart the season for fear of being held liable should something go wrong.

Premier League clubs met on Friday to reaffirm their commitment to resuming the campaign and are understood to have picked June 8 as the most suitable date to return from the lockdown.

But Neville feels there have not been enough public discussions and declarations.

Neville wrote on Twitter: "The PL are having a CV nightmare. They keep spouting Health First but then brief constantly "We have to Re-Start". I'd respect them more if they said "We accept the increase in Health Risk but it's one we are willing to take". They won't as they are frightened to death!"

When asked by a Twitter user what would happen if someone died as a result of the restart, Neville said: "That's why we haven't heard one single prominent CEO / Chairman / Owner or Executive open his mouth to back the re-start ! Brief / Brief / Brief ! Scared to death of the liability and blame."

Before making an exception for Brighton as the "only club willing to take a stand", Neville added: "It would be good for them to speak at least once. Any of them! Clubs included. They are bottling this virus on comms. Very Happy to tell us when they are delivering food parcels though."

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The Premier League announced on Friday that clubs had confirmed their commitment to finishing the season.

A statement added: "The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers.

"The League welcomed the creation of the government medical working group for a return of elite sport.

"No decisions were taken at today's shareholders' meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding 'Project Restart'."

Brighton have held virtual press conferences during the shutdown and chief executive Paul Barber voiced opposition to the idea of finishing the season at neutral venues on his club's official website on Saturday.

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady revealed more details about the plans in a newspaper column on Saturday and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish made the case for returning to action in a Sunday Times column.

Neville later praised Parish for speaking out after being alerted to the article by the Palace chairman but reiterated his general point.

The TV pundit wrote: "Steve I want football to return. I also understand the complexities. However it's depressing that the PL and clubs seem to be in hiding, scared to death of communicating. No-one wants to be responsible for this one! Just in case the unthinkable happens."