West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini has been internally punished by the club after he was caught breaking COVID restrictions.
Last night Manuel Lanzini was playing for West Ham in the Premier League victory over Everton. Today the Argentine star is in trouble after breaking COVID restrictions. The midfielder was photographed with Tottenham players Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela and Sergio Regulion.
The gathering the players attended broke the COVID regulations that had been put in place by the British government. The gathering took place on Christmas day when the players and their families joined together to celebrate the holiday.
Manuel Lanzini has been ‘strongly’ reminded of his responsibilities after he was pictured breaking COVID restrictions.
— Henry Tomlinson (@HenryTJourno) January 2, 2021
The West Ham player attended a gathering with Tottenham players Sergio Regulion, Erik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso. pic.twitter.com/h2mkUmZ8TA
The number of households in attendance was a clear violation of the restrictions they were under, especially as they were in London and in Tier 4.
West Ham has issued a statement outlining their disappointment with the player. The Hammers have already been hit hard by COVID earlier in the season. David Moyes and Issa Diop spent time at home after testing positive before a League Cup match with Hull City.
The club have also had to deal with an outbreak of COVID in the academy, which has seen none of the youngsters get a place on the bench since the increased number of substitutions. Currently, the club are without right-back Ryan Fredericks who is self-isolating.
"“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.”West Ham Spokesperson"
Lanzini has now apologised for the incident on social media. The midfielder said he “took full responsibility” for his actions. Lanzini showed that he appreciates the position he has as a footballer and should be ‘setting a better example’ The apology was met by many fans forgiving the player for his mistake.
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
Fortunately for Lanzini he has returned a negative test and will not have to self-isolate. The midfielder will then be available to play in West Ham’s next match, a FA Cup tie against Stockport on January 11th.
Lanzini has spent most of the season as on the bench during the club’s improved form. The 27-year-old had just started to get back into the team. Lanzini was showing flashed of his ability from before his injury two years ago. The players best moment this season was his 30-yard screamer against Tottenham in October.