Tottenham lambast trio who ‘broke Christmas Covid-19 rules’

Tottenham have criticised three of their players for attending a party over the Christmas period.

A picture circulating on social media shows Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso together at a party along with West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini.

London was placed into Tier 4 before Christmas with Government offering the following guidance: “This Christmas, it’s safest if you spend time only with your own household or support bubble.

“On 25 December you may choose to form a Christmas bubble if you feel you really need to but this only applies on Christmas day and to people who do not live in a Tier 4 area.

“A Christmas bubble can only meet in a private home, a place of worship or an outdoor public space. If you are meeting someone who isn’t in your Christmas bubble or support bubble, you can only do so outside your home or garden and in accordance with the rules in your tier (either the tier you live in, or the tier you are meeting in – whichever is stricter).

“In a Tier 4 area, you must follow the rules in your tier over the Christmas period. Christmas bubbles do not apply. This means that you cannot meet other people indoors over the Christmas period.”

However, the image shows the four players and several others in a group photo indoors with the Daily Mail claiming they are “believed to have broken government rules”.

A spokesperson for Tottenham said: “We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country made to stay safe over the festive period.

“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.”

Quiet January

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says he will be surprised if his side do much business this month.

Spurs added significantly to their squad in the summer with the likes of Gareth Bale, Sergio Reguilon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Matt Doherty, Carlos Vinicius and Joe Rodon all signing.

The January transfer window is now open and some clubs are preparing for plenty of incomings and outgoings. However, Mourinho says he will be surprised if his side do much business.

“I’m not expecting, no,” said Mourinho. “Times are not easy. The club made a big effort in the summer to try and build a good squad.

“Honestly, if something good happened to us, it would be a big surprise for me. I don’t feel the right to ask for something.”