Steve Bruce brings in handshake ban at Newcastle training over coronavirus

28 February 2020, 10:19

Newcastle United has introduced a ban on handshakes at the club’s training ground in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Players and staff traditionally all shake hands as part of their daily routine.

But manager Steve Bruce said: “There’s a ritual here that everybody shakes hands as soon as we see each other every morning – we’ve stopped that on the advice of the doctor.

“Thankfully, we’ve got a superb doctor here and he will keep us informed of what we have to do. We’re like everybody else, we’re glued to the TV for where it’s going to go next and let’s hope it doesn’t get any worse in this country.”

Asked if he had known anything like it in the past, Bruce added: “No, not at all. Look, in confined areas like we’ve got here… There was a time over Christmas when if there’s a virus knocking around – which is not coronavirus – then you have to be careful so we’re a bit mindful of it, the fact that a bug can sweep through.

“We had four or five at Christmas and two of my staff, so you stay at home, basically. But it’s always something you’re looking at.”