Pepe Reina Questions 'Crazy' Decision to Continue Playing During Coronavirus Chaos

​On-loan Aston Villa goalkeeper Pepe Reina has questioned the Premier League's initial decision to continue playing following the outbreak of coronavirus, labelling the decision 'crazy'.

While countries such as Italy and Spain made an early decision to postpone their respective leagues, the Premier League released a statement on Thursday evening declaring that all weekend games would go ahead. 

But shortly after the statement, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for the virus, forcing the governing body to change their decision and postpone all action across the country until April 3.

The initial decision to continue playing was widely condemned by many sections of the media, and Reina - speaking to Spanish publication Marca - has echoed those sentiments, insisting that their is more to life than playing football.

"It was crazy to keep playing, we have to take this seriously," Reina began. "Other countries which are more affected have already taken more radical measures and we have to follow this path. England can't cover their eyes and look the other way, the life and health of everyone is more important than sport.

"You have to have clear priorities in life and football is just a game and entertainment for people, the health of the people has to come first ahead of any other interest."

There is currently uncertainty over how the rest of this season and the start of next season will play out due to the coronavirus pandemic. Things are further complicated by Euro 2020, which is scheduled to begin on 12 June, and Reina went on to suggest that pushing the tournament back a year would appear to be the most logical thing to do.

"The leagues should only start once everything has calmed down, the most logical solution is to send the European Championship to next year, that should perhaps be the first measure," Reina added.

The Premier League are due to hold a meeting next Thursday to discuss options.