Coronavirus: Premier League and Football League ban pre-match handshakes

The Premier League and EFL have said pre-match handshakes between both teams and officials will not take place until further notice because of fears over the spread of coronavirus, reports BBC Sport.

The teams will still line up as usual but the home team will walk past the away side without shaking hands.

A statement on the Premier League's website said: "The Premier League fair-play handshake will not take place between players and match officials from this weekend until further notice based on medical advice.

"Coronavirus is spread via droplets from the nose and mouth and can be transmitted on to the hands and passed on via a handshake."

A statement from the English Football League said: "Whilst the government guidance does remain unchanged, a decision has been taken on medical advice and as a precautionary measure."

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