Premier League stars unite to form #playerstogether initiative - instigated by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson - to raise money for coronavirus crisis amid criticism for not yet agreeing to wage cuts

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The Premier League's captains have created a charitable fund to aid the war on coronavirus.

Instigated by Liverpool's Jordan Henderson, #playerstogether, aims to 'distribute money to where it is needed most' in the fight against the global pandemic.

Funds will go to 'those fighting for us on the NHS frontline as well as other key areas of need', a statement released late on Wednesday night announced.

The Premier League 's captains have created a charitable fund to aid the war on coronavirus

#playerstogether aims to 'distribute money to where it is needed most' to fight coronavirus

Top flight players, in discussions with their clubs over pay cuts, have expressed a desire to assist the NHS – along with other causes working at the heart of the pandemic.

A number of conference calls between footballers from across the Premier League have been held over recent days, while a WhatsApp group has been set up for each side's captain to explore the venture which has received unanimous backing.

Much of the talk has surrounded around the level of donations. There is an acceptance that different players earn vastly different salaries and a desire to ensure all look like they are contributing fairly.

As a result it is understood that donations to the fund, set up in partnership with NHS Charities Together (the NHS's official charity partner), will be made anonymously.

The intiative #playerstogether was instigated by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson 

Players at some clubs have been placed under pressure to accept pay cuts. The general feeling,

understands, is that while many players are happy to donate to charity they are reluctant to accept wage deductions and hold some cynicism over where such savings would end up.

'This is a critical time for our country and for our NHS,' the statement read, 'and we are determined to help in any way that we can'. It added: 'The contributions will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the front line to support in a number of ways.'

The statement also says that the initiative 'is about we, as players, collaborating together…separate to any other club and league conversations, that can get much-needed funds to those that need it right now'.

Henderson has been joined by Harry Maguire and other top-flight stars in the initiative

It ends: 'Our prayers and thoughts go out to everybody affected by this crisis. By sticking together, we will get through this.'

Health secretary Matt Hancock, who last week urged top-flight stars to 'play their part' in the fight against coronavirus, later thanked the players for their gesture and insisted that they had now complied with his demand.

On Twitter, Hancock wrote: 'Warmly welcome this big-hearted decision from so many Premier League footballers to create #PlayersTogether to support NHS Charities. You are playing your part.'

Health secretary Matt Hancock praised top-flight stars for making their contribution