Jose Mourinho was left 'disappointed' after finding out that three of his players attended a Christmas party together, breaking the government's lockdown protocols.
After a convincing 3-0 win over Leeds, the Spurs manager was questioned about Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso, who were pictured gathering together along with West Ham's Manuel Lanzini to celebrate Christmas Day.
London is currently in Tier 4, with heavy restrictions on movement. The government currently states that all those in the high risk area 'must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.'
"We are not happy." ?
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 2, 2021
Jose Mourinho says he is disappointed with Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso for breaking coronavirus rules on Christmas Day.
While Lamela and Lo Celso were absent from the win over Leeds due to pre-existing injury issues, Reguilion remained an unused substitute.
Mourinho told reporters after the game 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,"
The Spurs boss also revealed that he personally had given Reguilon a 'Portuguese piglet' as a gift, becuase he thought the defender would be alone.
Mourinho continued: "I gave an amazing gift to Reguilon - Portuguese piglet. Amazing for Portuguese and Spanish. I was told he would was going to spend Christmas on his own and I had this though about him.
"He was not alone as you could see."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for West Ham 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.
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. ????????
— Manuel Lanzini (@manulanzini) January 2, 2021
"The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities."
The Labour MP for Tottenham meanwhile, David Lammy, openly criticised the players on his Twitter, labelling their actions 'so damn stupid and selfish'.
Tottenham also released an offical statement on the matter stating: "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.
"The matter will be dealt with internally."
Source : 90min