Arsenal have refused to take government money and furlough staff - putting rivals Spurs to shame during the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. 

The north London giants showed they operate with a moral compass rather than in a moral vacuum by revealing they have no plans to furlough staff through the Government's Staff Retention Scheme.

The Gunners have also stated all employees will continue to receive full pay while guaranteeing casual staff will be paid until the end of May.

Spurs have received heavy criticism for demanding for government money after revealing their 550 non-football staff have had their wages reduced by 20 per cent in a bid to deal with the financial problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Principles before cash

However, in great ontrast, Arsenal have put principles before money by refusing a state handout.

In a statement released by the Emirates outfit on Tuesday morning the club also rallied supporters by saying they are acting to protect Arsenal from what might happen in the months ahead, adding the coronavirus pandemic gripping the planet is one of the most challenging period’s in the club’s history.

The Arsenal executive team has also volunteered to waive more than a third of their wages for a year – sending a clear message to the players.

Productive discussions ongoing with players - but no decision yet

The Gunners say that while ‘productive’ discussions are ongoing with Mikel Arteta’s playing squad regarding the best way they can aid the club through the ‘potential financial challenges ahead’ they will not make any definitive announcement about the team deferring wages or taking a pay cut until talks have concluded.

“We are in ongoing contact with our employees through video conferences, newsletters and team meetings,” the statement said, adding:  “We have made it clear to them that we are not considering redundancies, and we are fully focussed on protecting their well-being, jobs and salaries. All our employees are receiving their full salaries and we plan to continue this. We are not currently intending to use the Government’s furlough scheme.

“In addition to our employees, we are extending our commitment to pay casual workers on our payroll from the end of April to the end of May. For our matchday casual workers this means they will be paid for all four Premier League games that have been postponed and will be paid again should they work at these games once re-arranged.

“We are also carefully controlling our costs. We have stopped most capital spend, and our discretionary operating expenditure is being strictly controlled. Earlier this month, our executive team volunteered to waive more than a third of their earnings over the next 12 months. 
 
“We are hugely grateful for the support of our people. Their togetherness and resolve know no bounds, even though very many of them face the challenge of having no work to do while the season is suspended. We are fortunate to be able to count on their commitment and co-operation at this time.”

While the Gunners have again shown their class by refusing to take government money to pay its legion of non-playing staff, bitter rivals Spurs have attracted disdain and scorn for their application to access government funds – despite being owned by a billionaire and posting record revenues.

Arsenal announces ticket information 

The club also explained that in relation to the current 2019/20 season, tickets held for postponed matches will be valid once these matches are re-arranged.

If any matches are re-arranged with fans not in the stadium or any matches are cancelled entirely, those that have bought tickets for these games, whether as part of a season ticket or for an individual match, will be offered a credit for next season or a refund with more details to be shared at the appropriate time, adding: “Along with the Premier League, we are fully committed to concluding season 2019/20 as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The club also announced that they are not currently able to confirm when the General Admission Season Ticket renewal process for next season will start while the Club Level renewal process, which started in early March, has had its deadline extended indefinitely. 

Arsenal underline initiatives during coronavirus pandemic

The club also underlined the initiatives they are conducting during the deadly Covid-19 outbreak including delivering 15 tonnes of essential supplies in Islington, assisting the NHS, and helping schemes in Jordan and Indonesia via The Arsenal Foundation, before signing off with a rallying cry of: “We know that the Arsenal family will stay united throughout this global crisis.

"We will get through this and return to watching the game we all love as soon as it is safe to do so.
 
Take care and stay safe. Victoria Concordia Crescit.”