Ross Barkley joined Chelsea in 2018 (Getty Images)
According to The Independent, Chelsea loanee Ross Barkley has escaped sanctions after breaking COVID-19 regulations at the weekend.
The Blues star who is currently on loan at Aston Villa was seen having dinner together with Jack Grealish at the posh Mayfair restaurant in London. The duo were celebrating Barkley’s 27th birthday.
The duo meeting up was in direct violation of the regulations given by the government.
As a Tier 2 city, London’s coronavirus protocols advise one from not socialising with anyone they do not live with or is in their support bubble. This extends to both home and public places.
However, the law is hard to pinpoint given that the duo are within their rights to eat together at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training ground but not outside of it. Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t The Independent), Villa manager Dean Smith has confirmed that neither player will be punished.
The Villa boss admitted that he feels uneasy counseling his players for doing something they do on a regular basis on the club’s premises.
“I have reminded Jack and Ross of their responsibilities but I’ve also reiterated that to the whole group of players. They have responsibilities as representatives of Aston Villa Football Club.”
He also went on to confirm that both players have turned in negative tests. They were tested earlier this week.
“Jack and Ross both returned negative tests, having been tested earlier in the week.”
Villa players had the weekend off after last Friday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United was postponed. Ironically, it was because of a number of Covid-19 cases within the Magpies’ squad.
As a public figure, Barkley must realise that he should be setting an example to the youngsters in society who look up to him.
It is unknown if Chelsea can or will speak to the player regarding the incident. Barkley has enjoyed an excellent loan spell of late. He will do well to keep the headlines to his on-field antics.
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