The Premier League has banned the traditional pre-match handshake between players and officials indefinitely in response to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, the league announced on Thursday.

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In a statement, the league said it was acting on medical advice.

"Coronavirus is spread via droplets from the nose and mouth and can be transmitted on to the hands and passed on via a handshake," the statement read.

"Clubs and match officials will still perform the rest of the traditional walk-out protocol ahead of each fixture.

"On entering the field of play, the two teams will continue to line up, accompanied by the Premier League music, then players from the home team will walk past their opposition without shaking their hands."