JORDAN PICKFORD defied Everton’s orders to self-isolate after a squad member showed symptoms of coronavirus as he was spotted watching a boxing event in Durham with a pint.
Toffees stars were told to quarantine themselves on Friday after they became the latest Premier League side to be affected by coronavirus.
⚠️ Read our Coronavirus in Sport live blog for the latest news, updates and cancellations
Jordan Pickford ignored Everton’s coronavirus self-isolation order to watch boxing in DurhamCredit: BackGrid
Pickford was joined by new wife Megan DavisonCredit: BackGrid
Jordan Pickford didn’t appear to have a care in the world despite Everton’s coronavirus fearCredit: BackGrid
An unnamed player was said to be exhibiting symptoms and their training ground was locked down and players sent home immediately.
But former Sunderland stopper Pickford, 25, appears to have headed back to the north-east to take in a local boxing event – where he was spotted with his family.
The England goalkeeper sipped from a pint glass and was joined by his family, including wife Megan Davison, also 25, and son Arlo George, one.
Pickford – who earns £60,000 a week at Goodison Park – was also spotted rubbing his face and sticking his fingers in his mouth despite the NHS’ advice to avoid contact with the face for fear of spreading coronavirus.
Having almost certainly been in close contact with the Everton player or staff member affected by the bug, Pickford risked fellow viewers and his new wife.
FROM CREWE TO THE MALDIVES
Pickford wed Megan earlier this month at a low-key celebration at a register office in Crewe – wearing ripped jeans and a baseball cap.
An onlooker said: “They didn’t dress to impress. It looked like they were out shopping. It sure wasn’t Premier League!
“After the photos, the whole wedding party got in a people carrier and left.”
But the pair were simply fulfilling the formal obligations of marriage before jetting off to the Maldives for their unofficial big day.
The wedding is set to happen at the end of the Premier League season, but coronavirus has now forced the top-flight to be suspended.
Jordan Pickford watched the evening of boxing in DurhamCredit: BackGrid
Jordan Pickford was seen fiddling with his mouth despite NHS adviceCredit: BackGrid
Pickford’s son Arlo George sat on his lap at times in the eveningCredit: BackGrid
There will be no action until April 4 at the earliest – and may not be able to be completed until July, with Euro 2020 tipped to be moved back a year.
In a radical switch-up, Premier League bosses are now set to meet on Thursday to discuss how best to react to the delay.
And the key focus appears to be handing Liverpool the league title and allowing Leeds and West Brom to be promoted, forming a 22-team division for 2020-21.
Five teams would then be relegated at the end of that season in order to return to the status quo.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk