Manchester City to hold investigation after Benjamin Mendy hosts NYE party
Benjamin Mendy will be the subject of an internal investigation by Manchester City with the club âdisappointedâ at the defender breaking of Covid-19 isolation rules. Mendy invited three people from outside his household to a New Yearâs Eve party at the 26-year-oldâs home.
The Frenchmanâs act could infuriate Pep Guardiola as the manager has constantly reiterated a message of safety and consideration regarding the virus.
A City spokesperson said: âThe club is aware of a New Yearâs Eve Covid-19 breach involving Benjamin Mendy and the subsequent media reporting of it.
âWhile it is understood that elements of this incident have been misinterpreted in the reports, and that the player has publicly apologised for his error, the club is disappointed to learn of the transgression and will be conducting an internal investigation."
A spokesperson for Mendy said âBenjamin and his partner allowed a chef and two friends of his partner to attend his property for a dinner party on New Years Eve. Ben accepts that this is a breach of Covid-19 protocols and is sorry for his actions in this matter. Ben has had a Covid test and is liaising with Manchester City about this.â
On Christmas Day the club announced that Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker had tested positive for the virus. Cityâs game at Everton on 28 December was then called off a few hours before kick-off due to an outbreak of Covid at the club, with Cityâs training ground being closed.
Three more players were then also ruled out of Sundayâs trip to Chelsea due to positive tests though the club have not made public their identity. On Sunday, City announced that defender Eric GarcĂa and one member of staff had tested positive for Covid-19. The clubâs statement did not suggest the cases are related to the Mendy incident.
Mendyâs breach of the rules occurred after this so whether he is available for selection for Chelsea despite testing negative for the illness is unclear. Guardiola may decide against choosing Mendy due to the breach.
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