'I've Caught COVID Twice But Won't Get Vaccinated': Social Media Furore Over Ireland Star's Remarks

Ireland's Callum Robinson is not the first footballer to opt out of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Earlier, The Sun reported that five England players have refused to get the jab. England defender John Stones' girlfriend, Olivia Naylor, posted an anti-vaccine message on Instagram confirming that the Man City star was against taking the shot.

An intense debate engulfed social media on Wednesday after West Brom striker Callum Robinson said that he will not get vaccinated against the coronavirus despite catching it twice.

He's the first footballer who has played in the Premier League to publicly speak out against getting the jab.

Some have backed his decision, saying that because he's contracted the virus twice, he has most likely developed immunity against the disease. But others have mocked him, sarcastically declaring him an "expert" who knows better than scientists.

Meanwhile, social media users have blasted him for putting people's lives at risk, arguing that getting vaccinated is a "social responsibility." Robinson has also been called "selfish."

If Callum Robinson has had Covid twice, why are people asking him about being vaccinated? His natural immunity would be like a bucket of boosters at this point.

— Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) October 6, 2021

Callum Robinson must be aware of the fact that he is not only a risk to himself, but also to those around him. His selfishness is disappointing and not representative of the country he is supposed to be representing. He should not be a part of the squad. https://t.co/yLdraVPRIY

— Harry McCann (@TheHarryMcC) October 6, 2021

Sorry, not with Callum Robinson on this. Yes, it’s a choice. But it’s also a social responsibility to others. And it’s a unhelpful message to people who look up to him. Lost a bit of respect for him.

— Jason Kumar (@JasonKumar1) October 6, 2021

I'm sure Callum Robinson has done more research from his home than the army of scientists around the world who developed a range of effective vaccines building on decades of experience fighting other deadly viruses. I'm so sure. 🤨 https://t.co/Kt7Cxa2Qp7

— James Flynn (@james_flynn) October 6, 2021

A lot of people criticising Callum Robinson for not getting vaccinated despite having caught COVID twice, but it’s part of a footballer’s competitive nature to keep going for the hat-trick when you’re already on the brace.

— Fintan O’Toolbox (@FintanOToolbox) October 6, 2021

It's absolutely Callum Robinson's choice not to get vaccinated. The fact he's had it twice & still doesn't want to suggests he's really not particularly bright. However, in his position in the public eye, he should have kept this to himself. Either way, he needs to think more.

— JR (@thejonreeve) October 6, 2021

"I haven't been vaccinated, no. That's my choice at this moment in time," Robinson replied to a reporter when asked about his vaccination status.

"It's obviously annoying that I've caught it twice but I haven't been vaccinated. Further down the line I could change my mind and want to do it, but at this moment in time I haven't been vaccinated, no," he added.

When the Irish footballer was questioned about why he hasn't taken the vaccine, he said: "I just haven't, I just haven't done it. I think it's your personal choice and my choice at this moment in time, I haven't been vaccinated."

🗣"Everyone has that choice."

Callum Robinson has revealed he has not yet been vaccinated against COVID 19. pic.twitter.com/jc3DldzBsk

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 6, 2021

"I know, as you said, there are managers and people that will want you to do it, which is right in their way, the way they think, but everyone has their choice on what they want to do. I wouldn't force people to do it, it's your choice and your body," he said.

Several top managers of English clubs, including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Man City coach Pep Guardiola, have urged their players to get the jab.