The league was last week accused by one British lawmaker of operating in a ‘moral vacuum’ LONDON: Premier League clubs are facing a fierce backlash after Liverpool became the latest club to tap into public funds during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as players and bosses struggle to resolve a festering pay-cut row. English top-flight clubs, among the wealthiest in the world, have come under intense scrutiny as the health crisis escalates, with government ministers warning bosses and players they should “think carefully” over their next moves. The highest-paid Premier League players such as David de Gea and Kevin De Bruyne command mouthwatering salaries, reportedly nearing £20 million ($25 million, €23 million) a year. Even the average salary for a Premier League footballer is more than £3 million a year, according to the 2019 Global Sports Salaries Survey. European champions Liverpool, who recorded pre-tax profits of £42 million in February, announced their decision to furlough some nonplaying staff on Saturday, becoming the fifth Premier League club to do so. The controversial move comes with no sign of a deal between Premier League clubs and players’ representatives on a pay cut. Olivier Dowden, a culture and sports minister, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said people had a right to expect leadership from football. “Clubs, players and owners should be thinking very carefully about their next steps,” he said. “Leaving the public purse to pick up the cost of furloughing low-paid workers, while players earn millions and billionaire owners go untouched is something I know the public will rightly take a very dim view of.” Former Liverpool stars Jamie Carragher and Stan Collymore strongly criticized the move by the Premier League leaders. Under the scheme, the British government pays 80 percent of wages. Liverpool said they would top up the remaining 20 percent. “I don’t know of any Liverpool fan of any standing that won’t be anything other than disgusted at the club for furloughing staff,” tweeted Collymore. Liverpool fan group Spirit of Shankly initially supported the move but later wrote to the club expressing concern at the negative reaction. “We understand this is essentially an employee/employer issue, but as LFC’s recognised official supporter representatives we are concerned about the damage this is causing to our club’s reputation and values,” the group said. HIGHLIGHTS ● The highest-paid Premier League players such as David de Gea and Kevin De Bruyne command mouthwatering salaries, reportedly nearing £20 million ($25 million, €23 million) a year. ● Olivier Dowden, a culture and sports minister, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said people had a right to expect leadership from football. Liverpool’s opponents in last year’s Champions League final, Tottenham, owned by billionaire Joe Lewis, have also opted for the furlough option, along with Newcastle, Norwich and Bournemouth. Reigning champions Manchester City said they would not be using the government’s job retention scheme, with Manchester United reportedly set to follow their example. The Premier League has been seen as lagging behind other European leagues in its response to coronavirus — in Spain, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players have agreed to pay cuts of 70 percent. The league was last week accused by one British lawmaker of operating in a “moral vacuum” and many politicians have urged action. The Premier League’s suggested strategy involving a combination of pay cuts and deferrals amounting to 30 percent of wages, was discussed in a conference call with players’ and managers’ representatives on Saturday.