Man City’s Mendy the latest EPL player to breach virus rules

LONDON (AP):

Manchester City expressed disappointment yesterday that defender Benjamin Mendy became the latest partying Premier League player to breach English coronavirus rules by hosting friends at his house on New Year's Eve.

Mendy's rule-breaking took place as City was already dealing with the impact of a coronavirus outbreak at the club that led to the postponement of last Monday's match at Everton and have forced six players into self-isolation, with defender Eric Garcia's positive test announced on Sunday.

Despite the risk of being infected at the gathering, Mendy was named as a substitute for yesterday's game at Chelsea, where City were one player short on the bench.

"Benjamin had already COVID, so he had it in the past," City manager Pep Guardiola said. "He has been tested every day like all the guys ... and is negative."

Contracting the coronavirus is not considered to provide any certainty against future infections.

The Premier League has not condemned any players from City, Tottenham, West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace who have been seen over the Christmas period appearing to flout COVID-19 restrictions that have been tightened in response to a new variant, which scientists have said is up to 70 per cent more contagious.

Mendy allowed a chef and two friends of his partner to attend his home, a representative for the player was cited as telling The Sun newspaper. People from different households are banned from mixing indoors in the northern English area where Mendy lives.

"The club is aware of a New Year's Eve COVID-19 breach involving Benjamin Mendy and the subsequent media reporting of it," City said.

"While it is understood that elements of this incident have been misinterpreted in the reports, and that the player has publicly apologised for his error, the club is disappointed to learn of the transgression and will be conducting an internal investigation."