Jose Mourinho issues statement after breaking Government lockdown by holding training session with Tanguy Ndombele
Tottenham manager defied the Government's coronavirus guidelines when he was pictured holding a training session on Hadley Common in north London
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho has accepted that he breached the Government guidelines on social distancing after organising a one-on-one training session with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, with the Spurs boss getting a slap on the wrist from the club as a result.
The Portuguese was pictured leading an individual training session with club-record signing Ndombele on Hadley Common on Tuesday, despite Government restrictions preventing people from socially mixing with people from other households during the UK lockdown.
The club were not impressed by his actions, or those of their players, after Ryan Sessegnon and Davinson Sanchez were filmed running through the same park together.
A further incident arose on Tuesday with defender Serge Aurier posting a video of himself running with another person, and the Premier League club have reminded all players of their responsibilities as well as Mourinho.
“I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we must only have contact with members of our own household,” Mourinho said, although he has not publicly apologised for defying Government guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is vital we all play our part and follow government advice in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives.”
A Tottenham spokesperson added: “All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors.
“We shall continue to reinforce this message.”
Both Manchester City defender Kyle Walker and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish have been forced to apologise for breaching the lockdown restrictions, while Mourinho’s and the Spurs players’ actions were criticised by London Mayor Sadiq Khan for the poor example they are setting.
“My concern is people, particularly children, who might support Spurs or follow football, may see these images, pick up a paper, watch the internet and think ‘well if it’s ok for them, why isn’t it ok for me?’” Khan told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday.
“I don’t think it is necessary to be training in close proximity with another player who may be carrying the virus. And what you’re doing is inadvertently, unintentionally, potentially spreading the virus – you shouldn’t be doing that.”
Government guidelines do permit one period of exercise per day during the coronavirus lockdown, although this can only be done with another member of your own household with a two-metre distance retained at all times from other people.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments