FRANKLY I’M FINE WITH IT
Hit stars in pocket says Lampard
FRANK LAMPARD says that footballers breaking Covid-19 laws must be punished.
There were several incidents over the festive period of Premier League stars blatantly flouting the new rules banning group gatherings and different households mixing.
And with more games postponed because of the virus, there are calls for the football authorities to start hitting the individuals – and clubs – with tougher disciplinary action.
Asked if he supports those demands, Chelsea boss Lampard agreed in principle, insisting players should adhere to the law just like the public.
Lampard said: “If people break the sanctions, then clearly they should be punished because at the moment we’re asking every person in the UK to follow rules.
“Players have to follow similar rules – and in the workplace – t o align themselves to the being
Premier League and the FA regulations.” Whether it should be a points deduction for the club, or a ban and fine for the guilty individual is up for debate, according to Lampard.
Ahead of his side’s FA Cup clash with Morecambe today, he added: “I’m not sure about who the responsibility goes to – to the clubs or the FA.
“My feeling would be it’s something the clubs should have an in-house policy to deal with it – guided by t h e P r e mier League and the FA.”
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been caught breaching the guidelines twice, in May and October.
And Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell both missed England’s game against Wales in October after attending a ‘surprise’ birthday party at the Chelsea striker’s flat.