On-loan Newcastle defender Danny Rose would have “no problem” contributing a portion of his wages to those fighting the coronavirus outbreak.
But Rose admits Premier League players feel their “backs are against the wall” after politicians joined those calling for action.
Premier League clubs have proposed wage cuts of around 30 per cent to ease the financial burden caused by the cuts, while the league has announced a contribution of £20million to the NHS and £125million to the lower leagues.
Newcastle and Rose’s parent club Tottenham are among clubs to have furloughed some non-playing staff during the crisis, prompting criticism as players continue to receive their full salary.
“We’re all keen to make something happen,” Rose said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I can only speak for myself but I would have no problems whatsoever contributing some of my wages to people who are fighting this on the front line and to people who have been affected by what’s happening at the minute.”
On Friday, North Middlesex University Hospital identified Rose as the individual behind a £19,000 donation to hospital funds.
That came on the same day that Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson led talks between Premier League club captains over what action they could take – a move that begun before Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday joined those singling out footballers.
“We sort of feel our backs are against the wall,” Rose added. “Conversations were being had before people outside of football were commenting.
“I’ve been on the phone to Jordan Henderson and he’s working so hard to come up with something.
“It was just not needed for people who are not involved in football to tell footballers what they should do with their money. I found that so bizarre.”
Talks are due to take place on Saturday between the league, clubs and players representatives.
Wolves captain Conor Coady said it was time for players to help out.
“It’s fantastic to see people trying to make the effort,” he said. “It’s something everyone wants to be part of. As footballers, it’s important we help as many people as possible.
“What’s come out now is the 30 per cent cut. We get judged every single day of our lives. The time now is to go forward and make a donation.”
On Saturday, Burnley said they would face a £50million shortfall if the Premier League season could not be completed.
The Clarets said this was a result of £5million in lost matchday revenue – a shortfall which would remain if the season was completed behind closed doors – as well as a £45million in lost broadcasting revenue. The club suggested the amount could be as high as £100million for some other clubs.
“It’s a completely unprecedented situation that we and other Premier League Clubs face and which we could not have foreseen in anyway only just a few weeks ago,” Burnley chairman Mike Garlick said.
“It’s now not just about Burnley or any other individual club anymore, it’s about the whole football ecosystem from the Premier League downwards and all the other businesses and communities that feed from that ecosystem.
“As a club, as fans, as staff members and as a town we are all in this together and I’m sure we can get through this by sticking together and helping each other in every way possible in these tough times.”
