Football's authorities have insisted they are "confident" the season will continue - and end in May as planned - provided players and clubs follow Covid-19 protocols.

The Football Association, Premier League, EFL and Barclays Women’s Super League have issued a joint statement about the situation amid the coronavirus crisis.

The statement appears to defy calls from some quarters for the season to be paused as infections continue to spread across the country.

But it will also be interpreted as a warning to clubs about their conduct amid calls for players to change their behaviour in areas such as goal celebrations.

A host of clubs have seen matches suspended - including Carlisle United, whose next three games are postponed because of a number of positive Covid-19 tests in the squad.

The game's rulers, though, say that by following "enhanced" safety measures, the campaign will go on and finish on time.

"Safety is a collective effort and football requires the ongoing support of clubs, managers, players and all those involved in staging matches to continue to manage the spread of infection and set the right example to the public on and off the pitch," the statement says.

"We will offer guidance, education and support as well as reviewing our practices to ensure they remain of the highest standard.

"Our three organisations have confidence in our COVID-19 protocols and our ability to bring the season to a successful conclusion.

"Throughout this crisis, the health, safety and well-being of all participants has been our number one priority and by following the national rules and football’s own strict medical and scientific advice, football has been able to maintain its privileged position and continue to engage and entertain millions of people around the country.

"The game has a responsibility and during this next critical period it is down to everyone involved to ensure they follow Government rules and our protocols.

"We have seen the huge contribution players have made to the national effort and they must continue to use their influence in demonstrating the importance of following the rules.

"With full compliance to our COVID-19 protocols - alongside effective testing regimes - we are confident at the halfway point of the season that, with the support of all, the 2020/21 campaign will continue to its conclusion in May."

The statement is signed by FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and EFL chief executive Trevor Birch.