LONDON (AP) – Manchester City expressed sadness Sunday that defender Benjamin Mendy, the newest Premier League player to violate England’s coronavirus regulations, welcomed his friends to his home on the eve of New Year.
The revelation about Mendy’s rule violation comes as City grapples with the effect of a coronavirus outbreak at the club that caused Monday’s game to be postponed at Everton and forced at least five players to isolate themselves.
Mendy allowed a chef and two of his partner’s friends to make a stop at his home, a representative of the player told “The Sun” newspaper. People from other families are prohibited from mingling indoors in the northern English domains where Mendy lives.
“The club is aware of a COVID-19 violation on New Years Eve involving Benjamin Mendy and media reports,” City said.
“While elements of this incident are understood to have been misinterpreted in the reports and the player has publicly apologized for his mistake, the club is disappointed to be informed of the violation and will conduct an internal investigation. “
A Mendy’s representative to “The Sun” newspaper expressed remorse on behalf of the Frenchman.
“Ben admits this is a violation of COVID-19 protocols and regrets his moves on this matter,” it read. “Ben has taken a check on COVID and is communicating with Manchester City about it. “
On Saturday, a symbol was posted on social media of the Tottenham trio Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso attending a big party in London around Christmas time, in flagrant violation of regulations.
Tottenham condemned the players, who can now face internal disciplinary measures.
West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini will also contribute at the same party. The player has apologized on social media for his “serious mistake” while the club assured that the matter was dealt with internally.
Meanwhile, Fulham, whose attack on Burnley on Sunday was postponed due to positive instances at the club, is investigating images that appeared on social media on Friday featuring Aleksandar Mitrovic and his Serbian teammate Luka Milivojevic of Crystal Palace, as well as their two families in December. 31.
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