In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Troy Townsend the father of Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend, who also represent equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out, says he understands players’ concerns over the risk of a return to action in the midst of the ongoing health crisis, which has caused a lot damages and unrest in the country.
Father Townsend expressing his concerns to BBC Sport: “I love watching my son play football, I love watching his team play and I love every aspect of what football brings, but these are uncertain times and ultimately I don’t want to be watching him with worry right across my face.
“I don’t think I could watch the game comfortably any more if we do go back anytime soon because you are worried about what he is walking away from and what he may be opening his family up to too.
“If I am concerned about that it has to be a worry for any parent or any person connected to a player that may have to put themselves in that situation, which is a situation of worry.”
Troy Townsend also expressed his concern about the greater risk the virus is been reported to pose on people who are from Bame backgrounds according to the Office for National Statistics.
“Unfortunately we have seen some stats come out where it seems more people from the black and minority ethnic communities have been affected by the virus, which puts another worry mark on the lines on my head.”, he further added.
“I just cannot visualise watching players out on a football pitch and particularly my own son while this uncertainty continues, I cannot see it.
“If that means we have to shut up shop – null and void – then unfortunately I would rather that than put people at risk or lose lives unnecessarily.”
