THE Premier League and English Football League, together with the FA, have released a joint statement following the introduction of further COVID-19 measures this week.

With rising coronavirus cases across the country, clubs are being reminded to remain vigilant with many games beginning to get postponed due to positive tests within various clubs.

Concerns have been raised regarding goal celebrations with some questions from outside the football world as to whether it would be wise to stop playing matches in the current climate.

A joint statement from the leagues read: "The Football Association, Premier League, EFL and Barclays Women’s Super League have this week introduced enhanced COVID-19 measures and stressed their importance to everyone in the game.

"Safety is a collective effort and football requires the ongoing support of clubs, managers, players and all those involved in staging matches to continue to manage the spread of infection and set the right example to the public on and off the pitch. We will offer guidance, education and support as well as reviewing our practices to ensure they remain of the highest standard.

"Our three organisations have confidence in our COVID-19 protocols and our ability to bring the season to a successful conclusion.

"Throughout this crisis, the health, safety and well being of all participants has been our number one priority and by following the national rules and football’s own strict medical and scientific advice, football has been able to maintain its privileged position and continue to engage and entertain millions of people around the country.

"The game has a responsibility and during this next critical period it is down to everyone involved to ensure they follow government rules and our protocols. We have seen the huge contribution players have made to the national effort and they must continue to use their influence in demonstrating the importance of following the rules.

"With full compliance to our COVID-19 protocols - alongside effective testing regimes - we are confident at the halfway point of the season that, with the support of all, the 2020-21 campaign will continue to its conclusion in May."

The statement was signed by the chief executive officers of the FA (Mark Bullingham), Premier League (Richard Masters) and the EFL (Trevor Birch).