Grant Shapps tells Premier League stars to get vaccinated after reports two thirds haven’t had jab
GRANT Shapps has told Premier League stars to get the Covid vaccine after reports that two-thirds still haven't been jabbed.
The Transport Secretary told football players they should sign up for the shot to protect themselves and others.
Top-flight clubs reportedly fear this season could descend into chaos due to the low uptake amongst their stars.
It comes after the PM intervened in the row over three Strictly Come Dancing professionals turning down the jab.
At least two Premier League clubs have no more than six of their players vaccinated, according to the Daily Mail.
The paper said overall take up amongst footballers registered across the league stands at just a third heading into the new season.
But the Premier League insisted those figures are out of date and the true number of jabbed stars is much higher.
Some 70 per cent of pros plying their trade in the leagues below the top flight are said to have taken the shot.
Asked for his message to Prem stars, Mr Shapps said: "Please get your vaccination, not just for yourself but for the people you love around you."
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He pointed to "stunning" figures which show 99 per cent of people who have died from Covid this year were unvaccinated.
Wolves, Brentford, and Leeds are said to have the highest take up with 89-100 per cent of their squads jabbed.
But at other clubs fewer than half of players have received the vaccine.
Prem bosses believe there is a link between acceptance of the shot and participation in European competition.
Those teams which have qualified for the Champions League and Europe League generally have higher rates.
The revelation adds to a growing row over professional athletes refusing to get vaccinated.
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BBC bosses have had to back strictly Come Dancing's unjabbed dancers after mounting pressure over their place in the series.
It's after The Sun revealed a trio of professionals embroiled in the anti-vax storm have said they would rather quit than be jabbed.
Former Strictly legend James Jordan has called on the Beeb to name the those turning down the jab - and throw them off the show.