Portsmouth scrap players holding mascots' hands in battle to combat coronavirus

James Bolton has revealed Pompey’s players have been advised not to hold mascots’ hands in a bid to combat coronavirus.
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Ahead of kick-off against Fleetwood on Tuesday night, the Blues’ players maintained their custom of entering the pitch alongside a designated youngster.

However, the routine of holding the hand of each accompanying mascot has been postponed.

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It’s one of a number of measures implemented to avoid the spreading of the coronavirus, which has now been declared a global pandemic.

James Bolton (centre) and his Pompey team-mates were instructed not to hold the hands of mascots against Fleetwood on Tuesday night. Picture: PinPep Media/Joe PeplerJames Bolton (centre) and his Pompey team-mates were instructed not to hold the hands of mascots against Fleetwood on Tuesday night. Picture: PinPep Media/Joe Pepler
James Bolton (centre) and his Pompey team-mates were instructed not to hold the hands of mascots against Fleetwood on Tuesday night. Picture: PinPep Media/Joe Pepler

Earlier this week, Arsenal’s game with Manchester City was called off after Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis contracted the virus.

He had come into contact with several Gunners players in a Europa League encounter a fortnight ago – with Arsenal in turn playing Pompey in the FA Cup.

And Bolton explained the players are continuing to follow club advice in the current climate.

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The defender said: ‘We have been advised not to shake hands, to wash your hands regularly, while we couldn’t hold the hands of mascots on Tuesday night.

‘There are a few more gels knocking about the training ground too, I’m thinking about taking them home because they’re like gold dust!

‘It was my girlfriend who mentioned to me about the Arsenal thing, it’s pretty mad really when you think we have been shaking hands with them all.

‘We’ve had no tests, everyone is fine, but you now have to take precautions, which is now easier considering we know a little more about it .

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‘I’m starting to worry about coronavirus a bit more now, while cancelling games and stuff is obviously very serious.

‘I try not to think about it and ruin my day, you can be conscious of everything, which is not a good place to be.

‘You can start thinking “I can’t open doors” and things like that, it’s too much if you start thinking like that.’

Pompey host Accrington tomorrow at Fratton Park, as attention returns to their promotion push.

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Bolton added: ‘We just have to get on with it, you can’t change the situation, there is no point worrying about it.

‘It’s business as usual, you can’t change anything, it’s not up to us, we just have to do what we can.’

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