West Ham midfielder Robert Snodgrass has launched a scathing criticism of Matt Hancock, warning the health secretary to “do his homework” before calling out footballers over their wages.
Hancock sparked a row last week when he singled out Premier League footballers during a press conference, urging stars to “play their part” and take pay-cuts during the coronavirus pandemic.
The PFA insisted that cuts would cost the government hundreds of millions of pounds in tax contributions, and players from all 20 Premier League clubs instead launched the #PlayersTogether initiative on Wednesday, which will support NHS charities.
Hancock tweeted his appreciation of the “big-hearted decision”, but his remarks have angered many within the football community, who feel players have been made scapegoats while those in other well-paid professions are ignored.
Quoting Hancock’s tweet, Snodgrass wrote: “Thanks Matt Hancock it’s great to have your backing… in future do your homework on what we do and who we are as people before coming for us.
“Over £1billion in tax and NI PAYMENTS doesn’t even earn RESPECT anymore. It’s not about us it’s about the real heroes… The NHS.”
