Spurs condemn trio for COVID-19 protocol breach in Christmas party

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football – Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – November 1, 2020 Tottenham Hotspur’s Erik Lamela in action Pool via REUTERS/Mike Hewitt

(Reuters) – Tottenham Hotspur condemned the actions of midfielders Erik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso and defender Sergio Reguilon after the trio breached COVID-19 protocols to attend a Christmas party.

Pictures on social media showed the three Spurs players together at a party along with West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini.

Under the British government guidelines set on Dec. 19, those living in Tier 4 regions such as London, where the two clubs are based, were not allowed to mix with others outside their own household over Christmas.

“We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas… ” a Spurs spokesperson said in a statement released to British media.

“The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example. The matter will be dealt with internally.”

Reguilon was named among the substitutes for Spurs’ Premier League game at home to Leeds United on Saturday, while Lamela and the injured Lo Celso were both left out of the squad.

West Ham said they were disappointed by Lanzini’s actions and that the matter was dealt with internally. The 27-year-old came off the bench in West Ham’s win at Everton on Friday.

“The Club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to COVID-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini’s actions,” a West Ham spokesperson said.

Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge