CLUBS POWERLESS TO STOP PARTIES

PREMIER LEAGUE managers are resigned to players attending secret parties which break Covid rules and fear they are powerless to stop them. They are convinced their stars are flouting regulations that state groups of no more than six should interact. Some clubs have been so forthright with players that they have made clear the consequences of being caught rather than trying to persuade them not to socialise in large groups. One source said: ‘Players are always going to have a good time, we know that. The onus is on them not to get caught.’ Managers fear being without key players if they test positive, while clubs are fully aware of the damage caused to their public image if stars are caught breaching health regulations. Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho and Ben Chilwell will miss England’s friendly against Wales tomorrow night for breaking the ‘rule of six’ on Saturday by attending Abraham’s surprise 23rd birthday party.

Sportsmail revealed yesterday that England boss Gareth Southgate had laid down the law to his squad during a team meeting at St George’s Park, and Harry Kane also spoke to his team-mates on Monday night about the importance of maintaining high standards amid a flurry of disciplinary issues. Leicester forward Harvey Barnes confirmed the story yesterday, saying: ‘As a group we had a chat yesterday to make sure we are all on the same page and we understand the responsibility that comes with representing our country. ‘It wasn’t a telling-off, it was reminding ourselves of what is acceptable and what’s not. We are all very clear on that. ‘We know we are in the public eye. The responsibility and the actions that we make are going to be out there, so it was just really a reminder to everyone, making sure we’re doing stuff right on and off the pitch.’