Clubs say thank you on NHS anniversary

Communities

Seventy-two years after the founding of the National Health Service, clubs join call to show gratitude to key workers during COVID-19 pandemic

Sunday 5 July marked the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service and the Premier League and its clubs united with sport in the UK to thank NHS staff, key workers and the countless others helping to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

All the Premier League's weekend matches were preceded by a moment of applause led by players and match officials to show appreciation for the key workers and members of the public who have helped others during the crisis.

Clubs and the Premier League also expressed their gratitude in a variety of ways.

Tottenham Hotspur lit up their new stadium in blue in tribute to the NHS.

The stadium joined landmarks such as the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, Wembley Stadium, the National Gallery and Balmoral Hotel in paying tribute to NHS staff and all key workers.

Since April, the Tottenham Hotspur stadium has been used to help North Middlesex University Hospital in its fight against COVID-19, including drive-through COVID-19 testing and swabbing in the car park, and housing the hospital's women's outpatient services to redirect pregnant women away from the hospital during the pandemic.

See: 'Spurs have helped us care for our patients'

The Spurs first-team players also recorded messages in support.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was among the Manchester United stars to leave a message in tribute. 

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Karl Henry, an ambassador for the Wolves Foundation, featured in a special club video marking the anniversary.

Rivals Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion were united in their messages of thanks from their respective managers, Roy Hodgson and Graham Potter. 

Watford were one of the first clubs to open their facilities to the NHS to use and showcased how they had helped the Watford General Hospital next door to their Vicarage Road stadium.

See: Premier League Twitter moment