Police call on ex-Reds star over claims son’s birthday party broke new lockdown rules
FORMER United star Paul Scholes has been spoken to by police over claims he broke lockdown rules by hosting a party for his son’s birthday at his home.
The seven-hour party reportedly went ahead at his Oldham home last Friday – the first day new restrictions in Greater Manchester on social gatherings were brought into effect.
Residents in the region are no longer allowed to meet in different households, or people from other households inside pubs and restaurants.
Pictures published in national newspapers showed groups of young people arriving and a burger van parked outside the house.
The gathering was reportedly to celebrate the 21st birthday of Scholes’ son Arron.
One image showed the 45-year-old former United midfielder apparently taking part in karaoke and wearing a T-shirt with
the slogan ‘Lockdown Live’ printed on the front. Others showed young people crowded together on a dancefloor. Scholes’ daughter, Alicia, 19, who plays netball for Manchester Thunder, also posed for a group photograph with friends before the celebrations.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “On Sunday we were made aware of allegations of an earlier breach of Covid-19 restrictions at a residential property in the Oldham area.”
“In line with normal procedure and policing by consent, officers attended and engaged with an individual explaining the restrictions and encouraging them to be compliant.”
Scholes won a string of trophies in a glittering career with United and earned 66 caps for England.
The midfielder, co-owner of League Two side Salford City, has not commented on the report.
Figures released on Sunday showed the seven-day rate of new coronavirus cases in Oldham had jumped from 41.6 to 62.8 per 100,000 people with 148 new cases - the second highest rate in England.