With the Premier League currently postponed due to the coronavirus epidemic, top-flight clubs have been finding ways to reduce their costs.One club that's done so is Liverpool.The Reds announced on Saturday afternoon that they had put some of their staff on furlough, meaning 80% of their salaries will be paid by the government.Liverpool will pay the remaining 20% to ensure they still get full pay."Liverpool FC has placed some staff who are impacted by the Premier League suspension on furlough."The club has confirmed those staff will be paid 100 per cent of their salaries to ensure no member of staff is financially disadvantaged. Last month the club also confirmed that it would pay its matchday and non-matchday staff while the Premier League is suspended."Even prior to the decision on staff furloughing, there was a collective commitment at senior levels of the club – on and off the pitch – with everyone working towards a solution that secures jobs for employees of the club during this unprecedented crisis.
"There is ongoing active engagement about the topic of salary deductions during the period matches are not being played to schedule. These discussions are complex and as a result the process is ongoing."One man that has expressed his opposition to the news is Piers Morgan.The outspoken TV presenter and Arsenal fan took to Twitter to condemn Liverpool's actions."Shameful. You’re owned by American billionaires Liverpool - you should not be using British taxpayer money like this. Has Jurgen Klopp agreed to this?"
Jamie Carragher has also reacted to the news and slammed his former side.
John Henry, Liverpool's owner, is worth $2.6 billion and many think Liverpool shouldn't have to resort to taking money from the government when they are that rich.
To be fair, they have a point.
Liverpool have become the fifth club to announce that they will be taking advantage of the furlough scheme, after Newcastle, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Norwich.