Tottenham & West Ham players apologise for Christmas Covid-19 rule breach

A group of Premier League footballers who were pictured together at Christmas in a breach of the UK's COVID-19 regulations have apologised for their actions.

West Ham's Manuel Lanzini posed for a photo indoors with Spurs trio Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela and Sergio Reguilon on Christmas Day, alongside as many as 14 members of family or friends without social distancing or masks.

The UK government ruled that households in London were not allowed to mix on 25 December because of rising cases of COVID-19, with the capital and the south east moving into Tier 4 days earlier.

Having been caught in the act, Lanzini, Lamela and Lo Celso have all issued apologies.

In a tweet, Lanzini wrote: "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."

His compatriot Lamela echoed that sentiment, tweeting: "I want to apologise for a decision I made over Christmas which I deeply regret. On reflection I understand the seriousness of my actions and the impact it has on others.

"I am truly thankful to everyone working hard to keep us safe and I feel ashamed knowing I’ve let people down."

His Spurs teammate Lo Celso - the alleged host of the gathering - posted his own apology too, writing: "I want to apologise to everyone - I understand the great sacrifices people are making to keep themselves and loved ones safe and the frustration you have expressed towards me is justified.

"I take responsibility for my actions, which I genuinely regret. I also wish to express my gratitude to all those working so hard to keep us all safe and will do everything I can to set a better example in the future."

An image, which was posted on Instagram by a friend who has since made their profile private, sees no less than 18 people mixing with no social distancing.

Lanzini posted a picture of his own household on Christmas Day in which he can be seen in the same room - believed to be Lo Celso's house - and wearing the same outfit as the group image.

Both the club and manager José Mourinho have expressed their anger at the conduct of the Tottenham players.

Speaking after the win over Leeds, Mourinho told reporters when asked about his players' rule breaking: "We (the) club, of course, we feel disappointed because we give the players all the education, we give all the players all the conditions, and of course we are not happy - it was a negative surprise for us."

A club statement read: "We're extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Xmas 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."

Meanwhile, a West Ham spokesperson 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."