Football news - Premier League stars launch #PlayersTogether initiative to support NHS

A host of players simultaneously promoted a statement from the organisation on social media.

Players such as Fabinho, Fernandinho, Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire, James Milner, Dele Alli and more posted the same message to their social media accounts.

There had been criticism and pressure from politicians, including Minister for Health Matt Hancock, for players to take a wage cut in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, but despite negotiations between players and the league, nothing has been agreed across the board.

The statement said that it would partner with NHS Charities Together (NHSCT), which represents over 140 NHS charities, to "assist them in generating and distributing funds quickly and efficiently to where they are needed most."

The statement read:

"Over the course of the last week we, as a group of Premier League players, have held numerous talks together with the vision of creating a contribution fund that can be used to distribute money to where it's needed most in this COVID19 crisis; helping those fighting for us on the NHS frontline as well as other key areas of need. This is a critical time for our country and our NHS, and we are determined to help in any way we can.

"NHSCT is the national umbrella organisation for over 150 registered NHS charities, working closely with the Charity Commission, Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England to represent, champion, and support the NHS' official charities. NHSCT are the official charity partner of the NHS nationally.

"The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the front line to support in a number of ways, including to help enhance the well-being of NHS Staff, volunteers and patients impacted by COVID-19 as well as helping them in their work supporting many other critical areas of need both now and in the longer term.

"#PlayersTogether is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other club and league conversations, that can help get much needed funds to those that need it right now. To try and help, along with so many others in the country, make a real difference.

"Our prayers and thoughts go out to everybody affected by this crisis. By sticking together, we will get through this."