Republic of Ireland Footballer, Callum Robinson and his Anti-Vax Stance

Today the Republic of Ireland and West Bromwich Albion striker, Callum Robinson, has decided that he does not want the Covid-19 vaccine despite being infected by the virus twice. He stated that “it’s his choice” and that “further down the line he may change his mind” but has failed to explain exactly why. This statement and clear opposition to having the vaccine comes just days after Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool boss argued that every Premier League player should be double vaccinated so that all players can be safe.

However, Callum Robinson isn’t the only Premier League player who is refusing to be vaccinated as it was discovered that of the 20 teams in the league, only 7 had 50% of their players fully vaccinated. Klopp stated that “99% “of his players have been vaccinated and that he didn’t have to convince them to do it, that the focus was not on just themselves but also the people around them. This is the importance of the vaccine, that it can reduce the spread and prevent those around us from getting sick that may not be able to fight off the virus successfully.

Robinson as stated has in fact contracted the virus twice, once in November 2020 when he had been in contact with someone who had it, and again this August. Though he was okay, a lot can be taken from the fact he has contracted it twice. One, to contract the virus twice suggests he isn’t careful enough which is a red flag within itself, two his clear careless attitude can put others at risk, and finally, his immune system clearly needs help as his antibodies against the virus have not been very useful.

His choice to be so public about his decision not to be vaccinated can also have larger long-term effects. Many look up to people in the limelight, especially athletes who we deemed to be the peak of fitness, so when one makes a statement like this; it can influence others and possibly help spread the virus even more. When it comes to Robinson’s career, it may hold him back as he might not be able to compete for his country either by contracting Covid-19 for an incredible third time or having to be pulled out of some games due to Britain’s red list. With the World Cup qualifiers coming back soon, he may want to rethink his stance and not jeopardize his career because of some fearmongering bloggers.

This is not meant to be a rant about how wrong it is to not want to be vaccinated, it’s meant to highlight the dangers that come from it and why it is important to think of others. Everyone wants to go back to normal and not worry about catching Covid-19, and the virus looks like the only way to get it. It’s a watered-down version of the virus so your body can learn to fight against the real thing, which ironically, I think Callum Robinson really needs.