Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

'A disgrace' – Rooney slams Hancock for making footballers 'scapegoats' in coronavirus pay cut debate

The England icon has questioned the decision to call out players - many of whom have already contributed to charity - and how they can do more to help

Wayne Rooney has branded the public pressure put on players to take pay cuts during the coronavirus pandemic as a "disgrace" and believes they have been left in a "no-win situation".

Health minister Matt Hancock said in his Thursday Covid-19 briefing that Premier League footballers should "play their part" during the crisis and make a contribution, comments made after some top-flight clubs used the government's furlough scheme for non-playing staff.