Curle calls for people to 'understand the emotion of football' amid celebration criticism

Cobblers boss Keith Curle says the club will continue to take all the necessary steps to limit possible COVID exposure after the behaviour of footballers came under scrutiny.

Players and clubs have this week been reminded about their responsibility to limit unnecessary social contact, which includes handshakes, high-fives and hugs, when a goal is scored.

However, some managers have questioned the need to stop players from celebrating together given they share dressing rooms and team busses, and jostle with each other at set-pieces. EFL players are also now tested twice a week.

Cobblers are one of only a handful of clubs in League One yet to experience any issues with players testing positive for COVID this season, and whilst they will continue to follow the guidelines, Curle believes there must also be an 'understanding' of the situation.

"I'm aware of what's been in the media," he said. "I haven't gone through the latest guidelines for the protocols on the field but I will find out exactly what they are before the weekend.

"As a football club, it has worked very well and the players have adhered to the information impeccably. Wherever we can, we make it a black and white scenario and alleviate any grey areas.

"I was listening to the radio about players controlling their emotions in that split-second after scoring a goal. They want to minimise it but I think there's got to be a general understanding about the environment we're working in.

"Everybody is tested twice a week and everybody within the stadium is aware of the guidelines so we're trying to create an environment that is as safe as possible.

"Would we recommend anybody going outside that environment and hugging 11 people in the street? No, clearly not. But we have to understand the emotion of the game. If someone scores a winner in the last minute and comes running towards me for a hug, am I going to keep them at arm's length?"

Curle is less sympathetic towards players who have broken COVID guidelines away from the pitch.

He added: "I think a greater concern is players who have shown a total disregard off the field with some of the things that have allegedly happened. It shows a complete lack of empathy for the situation that the nation is in.

"That has made football a target so we need to be mindful and make sure we're aware that we will be scrutinised. But, on the field, we're working in a very safe environment and players here are well aware of their responsibilities, particularly off the field because they represent their profession and they represent the club."