Matt Le Tissier says football fans should continue to go to matches and hits out at leading NHS doctor over vaccine comments

Matt Le Tissier has criticised the idea of vaccine passports in an interview with GB News.

In an interview with GB News' Dan Wootton last night, the Premier League icon reacted to Dr Nikki Kanani's comments about football fans attending matches.

The top NHS doctor urged the public to prioritise Covid jabs over matches at stadiums

Dr Kanani said: “This is our chance to make choices for each other and for our NHS, so my advice would be if you’re going to go to a stadium at the weekend, make it one where you can get your vaccine or help out to give a vaccine, rather than going to watch a match.

“And to that point, if you’re a role model in society, please get your vaccine because actually it’s dependent on all of us to show the way right now and to make decisions that help to protect society.”

Responding to her comments, Le Tissier said: "She’s basically telling you that vaccines don’t work. Otherwise why would she not want you to go to the football? The coercive nature of what she’s saying I find disgusting"

Asked what he believes football fans should do, he continued: "I think they should go. Ultimately everybody should be given all the information that is available. All the risks. Once they’ve been given that information, people should be left alone to make their own decision. If they’re scared – don’t go.

"I want people to be given every bit of information, not just the information that’s going to frighten them, and let them make a decision."

Downing Street announced mass vaccination centres would open at Wembley Stadium and at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, within days.

During Wednesday’s press conference, the Prime Minister said “jabathons” were already taking place at Elland Road, the home of Premier League club Leeds United.

Boris Johnson said: “Let’s slow down Omicron’s spread and at the same time let’s reduce the harm Omicron can do to us by building up our vaccine defences. We’re jabbing in hospitals, we’re jabbing in surgeries, we’re jabbing in pharmacies and in pop-up centres.

“We’re jabbing in shopping centres and on high streets, in football stadiums, with mass events planned at Stamford Bridge and Wembley this weekend, and daily ‘jabathons’ at Elland Road in Leeds.

“We are throwing everything at it and, wherever you are, we’ll be there with a jab for you. So please, get boosted now.”