Chelsea loanee Ross Barkley accused of violating social distancing rules
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea loanee Ross Barkley has been accused of violating COVID-19 protocols.
The midfielder is currently on loan at Aston Villa where he has formed an excellent partnership with club skipper Jack Grealish. It would appear that the duo is also inseparable off the field.
Both players were pictured at London’s Mayfair restaurant on Saturday afternoon where Grealish was celebrating Barkley’s 27th birthday. This is in direct violation of the government’s guidelines.
As a Tier 2 city, London’s coronavirus protocols advise one from not socializing with anyone they do not live with or is in their support bubble. This extends to both home and public places.
Villa boss Dean Smith is expected to speak to both players regarding the incident. Neither of them are expected to be fined at this moment in time.
Villa players had the weekend off after last Friday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United was postponed. Ironically, it was because of a number of Covid-19 cases within the Magpies’ squad.
Grealish and Barkley were due to have coronavirus tests on Monday morning ahead of the scheduled afternoon training session.
Villa meanwhile did confirm that two of their players were pictured dining out at a restaurant despite staying in a tier-2 zone.
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As a public figure, Barkley must realize that he should be setting an example to the youngsters in society who look up to him.
Given the serious nature of the effect the virus has had in our lives, being a tad cautious would be advisable.