Dave Kitson’s bid to lead the PFA was criticized by former Premier League stars

Dave Kitson’s bid to stage a PFA coup has been vilified by former Republic of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid.

Former Reading striker Kitson filed his claim Thursday to replace Gordon Taylor as Executive Director of the Association of Professional Footballers, a role Taylor has played for 38 years.

But Reid was one of many players who gave Kitson the go-ahead and reminded him of his comments suggesting that Raheem Sterling had become a target after Manchester City suffered racist abuse.

“Is this the same Dave Kitson who accused people like Raheem Sterling of” bringing him on themselves “after he was abused?” Reid wrote on Twitter: “Yes, I would love for him to fight in my corner.”

Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair also tweeted: “If Dave Kitson has any role in the union, I will not use them at all.”

Former Sunderland star Michael Gray wrote: “Dave Kitson, CEO, no thanks!”

Kitson, 40, had criticized the PFA’s response to the pandemic of coronavirus and used the decision of the 20 captains of the Premier League to launch the campaign #playerstogether, to support the NHS to defend their case.

He said: “That certain Premier League players and Premier League club captains, under the motto of the ‘#PlayersTogether’ initiative, felt the need to act independently of the PFA in their response to the Covid pandemic -19, it’s nothing less than embarrassing. “

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But it is understood that a growing number of players are not impressed with a series of public comments that Kitson has made.

Kitson has posed 101 questions to PFA leaders and added in a statement: “I have been concerned by the breadth of criticism directed at the PFA in the past 12 months by the mainstream media, and particularly in recent years. months, from several of dear colleagues against whom I have played or else I have the highest respect.

“The recent sharp escalation of public criticism by high-profile players stemming from the PFA’s declared response to the current Covid-19 pandemic is extremely worrying.”