Liverpool legend John Barnes has hit back at criticism of his former side for their initial decision to furlough non-playing staff.

The Reds had originally placed 200 of their staff on furlough amid the coronavirus pandemic before reversing the decision two days later after facing heavy criticism.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have also taken advantage of the government initiative, and Barnes believes that clubs are within their rights to apply for the scheme.

Speaking to Bonus Code Bets, Barnes said: "We can all talk about principles and morality, but the government have offered this scheme, and it doesn't take away from anyone else that wants to partake.

"There isn't a set quota, so Liverpool are well within their rights to take furlough. I don't feel the club are wrong to be looking into this as an option as we don't know how long this situation is going to go on for.

"Football clubs are going to have to let staff go permanently, maybe furloughing staff now means that three or four months down the line is more sensible than having to sack staff later on.

"We don't know who's wrong or right currently. I'm not going to judge Tottenham or anybody else that does furlough staff as they're not taking money out of anyone else's pocket."

Liverpool had forged a 25-point lead at the top of the Premier League table prior to the postponement.