:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68608714/1283378265.0.jpg)
Three Tottenham Hotspur players are in big trouble today after a photo leaked on social media showing them breaking COVID-19 protocols for a Christmas party. The photo shows a group of people gathering together indoors and includes Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela, and Sergio Reguilon, in clear violation of the UK government’s lockdown edict due to the continuing spread of the coronavirus.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22209321/image.png)
Tottenham quickly released a statement condemning the photo and the behavior of the three players, saying the matter would be “dealt with internally.”
#THFC statement on Lo Celso, Lamela and Reguilon pictured together breaking lockdown rules over Christmas:
— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) January 2, 2021
“We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas...”
“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.“
— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) January 2, 2021
This isn’t the first time that Tottenham players have been chastised for breaking COVID-19 protocols. Back in the early days of the pandemic during the initial lockdown and Premier League stoppage, Serge Aurier got in trouble for twice inviting people outside of his lockdown circle into his home for various reasons, and even Jose Mourinho got in trouble at the time for implementing a non-socially distant outdoor training session with Tanguy Ndombele.
This, however, is beyond the pale.
It’s notable that Tottenham’s starting lineups just dropped for today’s early match against Leeds. Lo Celso and Lamela both not in the matchday squad, but Sergio Reguilon was on the bench against Leeds. We will see what kind of reprimand — and there absolutely should be a reprimand — will come out of this.