Just as the English Premier League is dealing with a surge in coronavirus cases that has forced games to be postponed, an illegal gathering of four Tottenham and West Ham players for a Christmas party is exposed.
Not only was it a violation of lockdown regulations and embarrassing for their clubs and league officials that they have persuaded the government to allow games to continue as infections hit record highs in Britain. There was also the risk of contracting coronavirus when the Tottenham trio Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilón and Giovani Lo Celso and the West Ham player Manuel Lanzini met with family and friends in a house. He’s potentially exposed his teams and opponents to the coronavirus.
The image of the party – showing the group posing without social distancing – was discovered on Instagram and posted on Saturday as Tottenham prepared to play Leeds.
“We are deeply disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends at Christmas, especially when we learn of the sacrifices that everyone in the country made for the festive period,” Tottenham said in a statement.
Tottenham’s previous game, against Fulham on Wednesday, was postponed due to an outbreak of the virus among their rivals. Fulham’s game against Burnley on Sunday was also postponed.
In another incident, a social media video emerged that appears to show Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic and Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic at an illegal New Years party.
Restrictions imposed in the London area in response to a new, more contagious variant of the virus prohibit people from visiting other homes.
Lamela, Reguilón and Lo Celso did not participate in the Spurs game against Leeds on Saturday, although Reguilón was on the bench.
“The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all of our players and staff about the new protocols and their responsibilities to respect them and set an example,” Tottenham said. “We will deal with the matter internally.”
Argentina’s Lamela, one of Tottenham’s oldest players, now says he understands the seriousness of the situation.
“I am really grateful to everyone who works to keep us safe and I feel ashamed that I failed them,” Lamela said.
His compatrita Lo Celso also expressed regret and accepted his need to be a better example.
Spaniard Reguilón was the only one of the players who did not issue an apology on social media on Saturday. Coach José Mourinho was especially furious with Reguilón, to whom he had given a pig as a Christmas present, convinced that he would spend the holiday alone.
“He was not alone, as you can see, and we at the club are disappointed, of course, because we gave the players all the education, all the conditions. Of course we are not happy. It was a negative surprise for us ”.
West Ham in turn expressed disappointment with Lanzini, saying the player “had been clearly reminded of his responsibility” to follow the protocols.
“I want to apologize for the bad mistake I made at Christmas and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Lanzini said.
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