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Premier League chief Richard Masters tells players to practise celebrations without hugs in training... as pressure mounts over football's Covid protocols

Clubs should practise celebrating goals safely in training to 'get the hang of it', Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has said.

Top-flight players have faced mounting criticism this week for continuing to hug in groups as they celebrate goals, in breach of new Covid protocols.

Masters' suggestion might raise eyebrows with some managers who have argued that football is all about emotion, but he appears to have Frank Lampard on side.

Footballers celebrating goals together on the pitch has brought backlash amid the pandemic
Players are now being asked to celebrate without hugging in training to practise for matches

Players are now being asked to celebrate without hugging in training to practise for matches

The Chelsea boss said he would consider encouraging his players to avoid celebrating in training and Masters, who also said he doesn't expect fans back this season, told Sky: 'I think if every club does that, then they will get the hang of it.