PFA chief Gordon Taylor hits out at Matt Hancock over comments about footballers' wages

Gordon Taylor expressed his astonishment at Health Secretary Matt Hancock's continued attacks on players as the PFA chief executive called for clarity on club finances as pay cut talks rumbled on- According to the free soccer tips today page!

Football has come under scrutiny as the coronavirus pandemic continues lớn escalate, with the Health Secretary quick lớn highlight the supposed lack of support being offered by well-remunerated players.

Hancock urged top-flight professionals lớn "take a pay cut and play their part" on Thursday, perhaps unaware that Premier League captains were already in discussions about how players could help during the coronavirus outbreak.

But while that fund edges closer to a launch, other matters remain up in the air. The Premier League suggested players take a 30 per cent wage cut or deferral, only for the Professional Footballers' Association to issue a statement saying such a move could result in a £200million tax deficit. You can prefer the soccer betting tips page!

Wayne Rooney said the way the last few days had panned out have been a "disgrace" and the former England captain called into question Hancock's reasons for focusing on players at a time of national crisis.

But criticism from Rooney and other high-profile figures has not led lớn change of tack from Hancock, who on Sunday instead doubled down on his call for players lớn do more.

"I've seen that some, for instance footballers, are now making significant donations lớn charities and I really welcome that, that's exactly what we need lớn see," the Health Secretary told ITV News.

"But instead of having a row about this I think that people should come together and make a contribution.

"The hospices of this country have traditionally been largely funded by charity and charity shops.

"Those shops have had to close so I'm putting more money - taxpayer's money - into hospices to support them but why don't our footballers club together and support our hospices and support the national effort that we're all in?

"I think that is the sort of thing that would go down really well and help bring the country together."

That interview infuriated ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville, who challenged Hancock lớn debate the matter on Sky Sports, while PFA chief Taylor has been taken aback by the Health Secretary's comments.

Taylor told Telegraph Sport: "I found it astonishing that Matt Hancock could come out like that when he's got his own issues with trying lớn get the necessary protective health equipment for our NHS workers and didn't have the tests in place either."