TOTTENHAM and West Ham have condemned four stars after they were accused of breaking government coronavirus guidelines to hold a Christmas party together at Giovani Lo Celso’s home.
A picture first posted on social media shows Spurs trio Lo Celso, Erik Lamela and Sergio Reguilon joining their families at an indoor Christmas celebration – despite living in Tier 4 London.
Three Spurs stars and a West Ham ace were snapped at a party together in what appears to be a breach of coronavirus rules
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini, a compatriot of Argentine pair Lo Celso and Lamela, was also spotted at the bash.
The image is claimed to have been uploaded to Instagram by one of the family members – with the account quickly made private.
The party in question could have taken place last month, with Lanzini posting another picture of himself in a smaller group to his own Instagram wishing fans a happy Christmas on December 25.
However, Reguilon recently revealed Jose Mourinho gave him a cooked suckling pig for Christmas as the Spurs boss knew the left-back would be spending Christmas alone.
The party appears to have taken place at Lo Celso’s house, with replicas of the Ligue 1 and Coupe de la Ligue trophies he won at Paris Saint-Germain visible in the background.
In total it is believed there were 18 people present – the four players, 11 other adults and three children.
Both Tottenham and West Ham are now aware of the picture and are investigating after being approached for comment by SunSport.
A Spurs statement read: “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.”
West Ham released their own statement, saying: “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.
“The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities.”
Labour MP for Tottenham, David Lammy, also criticised the players involved.
He tweeted: “Lo Celso, Lamela, Reguilon and Lanzini breaking lockdown rules over Christmas!
“So damn stupid and selfish. It just beggars belief.”
Lanzini tweeted showing remorse, writing: “I want to apologise for a bad mistake I made over Christmas and I take full responsibility for my actions.
“I know people have made difficult sacrifices to stay safe and I should be setting a better example.”
Under Tier 4 rules, the Government say ‘you must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.’
Fines for breaking the rules start at £200, rising to £6,400 for repeat offenders, while parties of over 30 people can see fines of £10,000 dished out.
Mitrovic and Milivojevic appeared to breach Covid rules at New Year party
The picture has emerged just hours after Fulham and Crystal Palace opened investigations of their own after Aleksandar Mitrovic and Luka Milivojevic appeared to breach Covid-19 rules.
The Serbian duo were filmed together on Instagram by the Fulham striker’s long-term partner Kristina Janjic at what appears to be a New Year party in London.
In one of the Insta story videos the footage says ‘Happy New Year 2021’ as the Serbian pair appear to celebrate with at least seven other adults.
Then a later story posted shows Mitrovic playing football with Eagles captain Milivojevic as well as another man – who appears in the earlier video – and two children wearing this season’s Fulham kits.
Milivojevic’s wife Milica is tagged in the posts – and Janjic has since deleted her Instagram account to raise even further suspicion over the footballer’s conduct.
SunSport contacted both clubs late last night for comment and the London duo are looking into the situation.
Fulham had previously seen their midweek clash with Tottenham postponed after the West London club returned a spate of positive test results for Covid.
Footie aces Aleksandar Mitrovic and Luka Milivojevic ‘breach coronavirus laws as they celebrate together on New Year’s Eve’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
