EX-WANDERERS skipper Darren Pratley has expressed his fears over a potential return to football during the coronavirus crisis.

The Office for National Statistics says black men and women are nearly twice as likely to die from coronavirus as white people in England and Wales.

Pratley’s father is Jamaican – which has given the Charlton midfielder, 35, some reason for concern as Championship consider a mid-June return to competitive fixtures.

"We've been told that BAME footballers are at higher risk, which is concerning being mixed raced," he told BBC Sport.

"I know a lot of people from my dad's side have struggled with diabetes and high blood pressure, which is an underlying issue that a lot of them and others probably didn't know that they had.

"This could be something that if infected by one of the players who hasn't been tested, could be passed back to them if they are living in the same household."

"I'm worried because one of our coaches had the virus and he said it's the worst thing that's ever happened to him and he wouldn't wish it upon anyone," he said.

Pratley, who spent seven years with Wanderers and made 203 appearances, admits worries over how football's return could affect his family's future.

"No one knows what effect the virus is going to have on you afterwards," he said. "Football isn't going to last forever. I want to be able to be able to live a normal life and run around with my daughter in the garden.

"It's going to have a massive impact. I want to get back, but it has to be safe for everyone. That's the main thing. If you can't do the tests, then I can't see it [football] getting back personally."