[ad_1]
The Football Association is investigating after Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho were photographed attending a party in violation of coronavirus regulations.
The footage was shared by Sun newspaper showing Chelsea striker Abraham and fellow footballers Chilwell and Sancho at a party in London with more than six people on Saturday night.
The party was thrown as a surprise for Abraham’s 23rd birthday, but it broke the “rule of six,” one of the government guidelines for people in England designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Abraham has apologized for the party, but is convinced he was unaware that it was being organized. There were temperature checks upon the arrival of the guests, all of whom were Abraham’s family and friends.
Images in The Sun newspaper also appeared to show Abraham’s Chelsea teammate Ben Chilwell at the party.
In a statement to Sky Sports News, Abraham said: “On Saturday night I came home to find a little surprise gathering that had been arranged for me with close family and friends to celebrate my birthday.
“Although I was totally unaware that this was planned, I would like to apologize with all my heart for the naivety shown by everyone in organizing and attending this meeting.
“I recognize that I have a responsibility, both in my professional and personal life, to honor and abide by the guidelines and I am deeply sorry that this happened. All I can do now is learn from it, apologize to everyone, and make sure it never happens again happen”.
Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho also appeared at the meeting
The FA confirmed Sky Sports News is aware of the incident, with England manager Gareth Southgate ready to remind all of his team members of their responsibilities when they meet at St George’s on Monday before their next matches against Wales, Belgium and Denmark.
It is unlikely that Abraham, Chilwell or Sancho will be ruled out on medical grounds unless they are found to be positive for coronavirus when tested upon entering England’s camp.
The FA will screen all players when they report to work on Monday, and then again tomorrow, to comply with UEFA rules that all players must be tested two days before each international match.
England manager Gareth Southgate has yet to decide whether Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho should be an example of a breach of the ‘rule of six’
Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho was present at the party despite missing his club’s game against SC Freiburg that same day. He has been absent from Dortmund training recently due to a “respiratory illness” but recently tested negative for coronavirus.
Dortmund said Sky Sports News: “We are in close contact with the English FA and representatives of the national team. We are aware that you are following the COVID-19 protocols in line with UEFA. It would be inappropriate for us to add comments at this stage. “
Chelsea have yet to comment, but it is understood that the club will remind all players of the need to comply with social distancing rules.
The incident comes a month after Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were sent home for violating coronavirus protocols while with the England team in Iceland.
Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were sent home for violating coronavirus protocols in Iceland last month
However, Southgate has yet to decide whether Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho should be an example of a breach of the “rule of six”, and FA officials feel this is a very different scenario.
In Reykjavik, Foden and Greenwood were already inside England’s safe eco-bubble when they broke the rules, while Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho were partying in their spare time before entering England’s biosecure environment.
[ad_2]
