Spurs and West Ham condemn players for Covid breach at Christmas party

As news emerged that yet another Premier League game involving Fulham was being postponed over a Covid-19 outbreak involving the club's staff, further breaches of regulations involving footballers have come to light. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have both been forced to release statements condemning their players after a group photograph showing Spurs players Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela and Sergio Reguilon celebrating at a Christmas party with family and friends was posted online. West Ham forward Manuel Lanzini can also be seen at the get together, which contravenes current guidelines regarding containing the spread of coronavirus. It is not yet known when the party, which was held at Lo Celso's home, was held. London has been in Tier 4 since before Christmas. In a statement, Spurs condemned their players' behaviour and insisted that the matter would be dealt with internally. “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," said the club. "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." A West Ham spokesman said: “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.” Elsewhere in the capital, both Fulham and Crystal Palace have launched investigations after footage emerged on social media showing the Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrović and Serbian teammate and Palace midfielder Luka Milivojević celebrating the New Year at a party in London.