The
Football Association is investigating after Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and
Jadon Sancho were pictured attending a party in breach of coronavirus
regulations.
Footage was shared by The Sun newspaper which showed Chelsea forward Abraham
and fellow footballers Chilwell and Sancho at a party in London with more
than six people on Saturday evening.
The party was organised as a surprise for Abraham's 23rd birthday but it
broke the 'rule of six' - one of the Government's guidelines for people in
England designed to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Abraham has apologised for the party but is adamant he had no knowledge of
it being organised. There were temperature checks on arrival for guests, all
of whom were Abraham's family and friends.
In a statement to Sky Sports News, Abraham said: "On Saturday evening I
arrived home to find a small surprise gathering had been organised for me
with family and close friends to celebrate my birthday.
"Although I was totally unaware this was planned, I would like to
wholeheartedly apologise for the naivety shown by all for the organisation
and attending of this gathering.
"I recognise that I have a responsibility both in my professional and
personal life to honour and respect the guidelines and deeply regret that
this took place. All I can do now is learn from it, apologise to everyone
and ensure it never happens again."
The FA confirmed to Sky Sports News it is aware of the incident, with the
trio's arrival at St George's Park on Monday delayed until further
investigation into the allegations.
England manager Gareth Southgate is also set to remind all members of his
squad about their responsibilities on their arrival at the training camp
ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Wales, Belgium and Denmark.
However, it is unlikely Abraham, Chilwell or Sancho will be dropped on
medical grounds, unless they are found to be coronavirus-positive when
tested on entry into the England camp.
The FA will test all players when they report for duty on Monday, and then
again on Tuesday, to comply with UEFA's rules which dictate all players
should be tested two days prior to every international match.
Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho was present at the party despite missing his
club's game against SC Freiburg on the same day. He has been absent from
Dortmund training recently due to a "respiratory illness" but recently
tested negative for coronavirus.
Dortmund told Sky Sports News: "We are in close contact with the English FA
and representatives of the national team. We are aware that they are
following Covid-19 protocols in line with UEFA. It would not be appropriate
for us to add comment at this stage."
Chelsea are yet to comment but it is understood the club will be reminding
all players of the need to abide by social-distancing rules.
The incident comes a month after Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were sent
home for breaching coronavirus protocols while with the England squad in
Iceland.
However, Southgate is yet to decide whether Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho
should be made an example of for breaching the 'rule of six', with FA
officials feeling this is a very different scenario.
In Reykjavik, Foden and Greenwood were already inside England's secure
eco-bubble when they broke the rules, whereas Abraham, Chilwell and and
Sancho were partying in their free time before they entered England's
bio-secure environment.
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