Jack and Ross were confused by Covid rules, insists Smith

DEAN SMITH has defended a breach of coronavirus rules by Aston Villa duo Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley, claiming the guidance is ‘confusing’.

Grealish joined Barkley in travelling to London for a dinner to celebrate the on-loan Chelsea midfielder’s 27th birthday last weekend. The pair have avoided punishment from their club.

Although Grealish and Barkley, who both live in tier two areas around Birmingham, did not break any rules by making the journey, the current guidelines forbid meeting people from different households indoors.

However, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Wolves, Smith underlined he had reminded both players of their responsibilities and insisted government restrictions remain unclear.

‘I think our government are confused about the messages that are going out there themselves, so it makes it very difficult for everybody else as well,’ Smith said.

‘But it is difficult times for everybody at the moment and we have to respect the rules. Has this week been difficult to handle? No. I have reminded the players about their responsibilities and we have moved on.’ Villa skipper Grealish had to apologise in March after going to a party during lockdown. He will play this weekend after both players tested negative but Barkley remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Smith added: ‘I can’t pretend I enjoyed having to explain the latest regulations – that travelling from tier two to tier two is not a problem but, even though the players all eat together daily, they can’t go out for lunch in a restaurant with each other.

‘Jack and Ross both returned negative tests, having been tested earlier in the week.’