Liverpool apologize, reverse furlough decision after fierce backlash

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In the wake of fierce public criticism, Liverpool announced Monday that they are reversing their initial decision to furlough some non-playing staff amid the coronavirus crisis.

Chief executive officer Peter Moore said in a letter to Liverpool fans that the club was "truly sorry" and came to the "wrong conclusion" when it decided to use the government's taxpayer-funded job retention scheme last week.

"Our intentions were, and still are, to ensure the entire workforce is given as much protection as possible from redundancy and/or loss of earnings during this unprecedented period," Moore noted.

"We are therefore committed to finding alternative ways to operate while there are no football matches being played that ensures we are not applying for the government relief scheme."

Liverpool were to become the fifth Premier League side to place staff on temporary leave while dealing with the financial fallout of the global pandemic. Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth, and Norwich City all made similar moves prior to the league leaders.

The initial plan was for the government's job retention scheme to provide 80% of employees' salaries, with the club making up the difference.

But the Reds' announcement sparked intense backlash, with many pointing out that Liverpool made a profit of over £40 million last year. Longtime former defender Jamie Carragher was among those to criticize the club publicly.

The Premier League is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 crisis, with discussions ongoing about a potential wage reduction for players.