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Coronavirus latest: How sports stars have reacted

Sport stars have been reacting to the pandemic.

The spread of coronavirus has brought sport to a standstill across the UK and most of the world.

Here, the PA news agency looks at what sport stars have been saying in reaction.

"You could see looking at the players that their minds were elsewhere thinking about people back home. Now that we can go and look after families and be with loved ones that's put a lot of guys at ease." – England cricket captain Joe Root after the tour to Sri Lanka was postponed.

England skipper Joe Root supported his side's early return from Sri Lanka
England skipper Joe Root supported his side's early return from Sri Lanka (Mike Egerton/PA)

"Of course, we don't want to play in front of an empty stadium and we don't want games or competitions suspended, but if doing so helps one individual stay healthy – just one – we do it no questions asked. If it's a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it's no contest. Really, it isn't." – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following the suspension of the Premier League.

"Until a decision is made on how we go on from here, then we just have to deal with it. But when it happens, we are still bringing the title to our fans, definitely." – Virgil Van Dijk's pledge to Liverpool supporters desperate for the end to their 30-year wait for a title.

"I do NOT support matches played behind closed doors. If it's necessary to shut down stadiums the associations must find a way of delaying the season and playing the games when it is safe to do so to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive." – Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville.

"Man we cancelling sporting events, school, office work, etc etc. What we really need to cancel is 2020! Damn it's been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe." – Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James after the suspension of the NBA.

"We are seeing (Donald) Trump shutting down the borders, the NBA has been suspended, yet F1 continues to go on." – World champion Lewis Hamilton was critical of F1 organisers, who delayed cancelling the season-opening event in Australia until the morning of first practice.

"How in the world could they work it into the schedule? It wouldn't be fair to any other tournaments that are later. I think we are probably going to miss the Masters this year, that's just my opinion, but I think it makes logical sense." – Jack Nicklaus on why the Masters may not get played this year.

"These are complicated days for the whole world. Health should always be the important thing. It's the moment to be responsible and stay at home, we can also enjoy this time with our family that we don't always have." – Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi is enjoying spending time with his family
Lionel Messi is enjoying spending time with his family (Nick Potts/PA)

"There are a lot more important things in life than a golf tournament right now. We need to be safe, smart and do what is best for ourselves, our loved ones and our community." – Tiger Woods broke his silence three days after learning he would not be defending his Masters title at Augusta in April.

"I don't think we had any great leadership last night, listening to the prime minister. I was totally underwhelmed by the lack of leadership and clear message." – Watford manager Nigel Pearson was not impressed by Boris Johnson's public address last week.

"Thanks for your words and support. We're all facing a huge and unprecedented challenge. Everyone's health is all that matters right now. Protect each other by following the guidelines. We'll come through this together." – Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, who tested positive for coronavirus.

"It is unfortunate news that the London marathon has been postponed, but I fully respect the decision made by the organisation as safeguarding the health of the world always takes our top priority." – Marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

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Jan Vertonghen in action for Spurs on December 22, 2019
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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