Many Liverpool fans have taken to social media to express their concerns over the club placing non-playing staff on furlough leave.
In a statement on their website – which you can read in full here – the club confirmed that they would be turning to the UK Government to cover 80% of wages.
Last month the Reds announced that they would be paying the wages of all their staff throughout the suspension of English football, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but all that good may have been somewhat undone by the club’s latest move.
The Government set up the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for businesses that will struggle to pay their staff when there isn’t a steady influx of cash – billionaires should not take advantage.
The rest of the Premier League are more-than-likely going to follow suit, but given the roots of our club it’s such a horrible surprise to see the Reds act so cutthroat.
Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter, in good numbers, to express their concerns over the club placing non-playing staff on furlough leave – and it’s fair to say we’re almost all in agreement on this one.
Here are some of the message we saw that struck a chord with us:
Liverpool have dropped the ball here. Club is making millions and owners are rolling in it. It’s shite form from FSG.
— Jordan Chamberlain (@Jordan_AC90) April 4, 2020
I expect better from @LFC. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme isn't for the mega-rich to take advantage. It's for the vulnerable to survive. Their decision goes against our civic values completely.
— Ste Carson 🌱🦣 (@sjrcarson) April 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/1246447170976350210
https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1246450030988398598
https://twitter.com/RobRogers94/status/1246440165033328641
https://twitter.com/SeventySixRole/status/1246449408725704711
https://twitter.com/LFCNasir/status/1246440268435505152
Relying on the government to pay 80% of your staffs wages is a disgrace when you are earning so much money
The scheme is for companies who are struggling with cash flow— Gerry (@ATW1062) April 4, 2020
@PeterMooreLFC if I am reading this right and Govt are paying 80% then that is absolutely shameful from LFC. As a lifelong supporter I am embarrassed that my club who are one of the richest in the world are using this scheme. Please have a rethink as it does not reflect well 😔
— Wannabe (@Wannabe_Biker46) April 4, 2020
This is wrong. This doesn’t sound like my club. Companies making profits, who don’t have to furlough staff and choose to do so stinks.
Tough times reveal true colours 😕— Paul Smith (@PaulSmithJnr) April 4, 2020