Liverpool have reversed their decision to furlough non-playing staff in light of COVID-19, but there is some good that could come of it.
There are still some teams out there who have shifted the burden of paying their scouts and box office staff and physio onto the government. Shamefully, Liverpool were one of those sides but they’ve since seen the light and reversed that decision.
While it caused an extreme amount of anger and embarrassment and ripped some of the cornerstone of club values to shreds, the fact that FSG listened and were big enough to change their mind should be commended.
Manchester City and Manchester United will always be able to hold this over Liverpool heads and while that hurts, we can hold our heads in pride once again.
And some good may come of this.
Sky Sports have reported that Tottenham have come under pressure from their supporters – especially the supporters’ trust – who have been angry that a club as wealthy as Spurs have shifted their obligations onto the taxpayer.
And they are right to feel that way. Just as Newcastle United supporters are right to be angry at Mike Ashley for doing the same while there are extremely highly paid players sitting on their original wage.
Sure, there are caveats to that as the PFA have told players to sit tight until they negotiate a position with clubs and managers. This issue doesn’t sit with footballers, but with owners who are looking for a cheap win.
If Liverpool announcing that they will use the furlough scheme, only to retreat and change their mind in response to overwhelming supporter backlash, encourages just one other outfit to do the same then we’ll have played our part and some good will have come out of this.
When all of this is over, supporters won’t forget and FSG have already damaged our reputation. But there is hope for redemption.