Breaking COVID-19 Distancing Rules, Laliga President Warned Sevilla Clubs and Players

DBasia.news – LaLiga president Javier Tebas reminded soccer players to act responsibly to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus after four Sevilla players violated Spanish government rules by holding social gatherings.

Argentine trio Ever Banega, Lucas Ocampos, Franco Vazquez and Dutch striker Luuk de Jong reportedly were at a party with eight other people over the weekend.

Spain has loosened one of the tightest locks in Europe because the corona virus infection rate has slowed and the number of deaths has declined, although a meeting of more than 10 people is still not permitted.

The picture posted on Instagram by Banega’s wife also showed the existence of the Shisha Pipe.

“Players are an example to the community and must be careful with their actions,” Javier Tebas told Movistar as reported by Reuters.

“I ask all players not to act like this. We have to be very careful because a lot of people’s work is at stake.”

“Security is guaranteed at the training ground and matches, but I am worried about other places and parties like this. We all need to be very careful,” he added.

Meanwhile the players made a statement apologizing for their behavior, which Sevilla published on the club’s official Twitter account.

Sevilla did not state whether the players would face disciplinary action and did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

All football events in Spain have been temporarily suspended since March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic although on Saturday the government said the top two divisions could be resumed starting June 8.

The Sevilla derby match with neighbor Real Betis will be the first La Liga match to be played when the season resumes next month.

President of Laliga hopes that the match will be played on 11 June.