Chelsea’s Mason Mount is facing a possible fine after ignoring instructions to self-isolate over coronavirus fears, in favour of a Sunday kickabout with West Ham’s Declan Rice.
The Chelsea squad are under instructions to stay at home after Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for coronavirus last week.
The club announced on Thursday that they have told players to self-isolate as a result of the positive test, but Mount was seen on Sunday at the Trent Park Football centre, near Barnet, playing five-a-side with Rice.
An onlooker told the Mirror: ‘I took my 14-year-old son there for a training session.
‘We noticed a car that looked a bit ridiculous and wondered who was in it. Then another came along with three or four people inside. My son recognised Mason Mount as the driver.
‘They played a kickabout of five or six-a-side. Declan Rice was playing too.
‘They were wearing snoods but it wasn’t obvious whether they were using them to protect other people or so they wouldn’t be noticed.
‘We’ve got someone out in public who is a team-mate of Callum Hudson-Odoi, who actually has coronavirus. It looked like none of them were taking the situation very seriously.’
It is not clear if Mount will face punishment for his actions, although a fine is possible for the 21-year-old.
A Chelsea spokesperson simply said that the England international has been reminded of his responsibilities.
There is no such worry for Rice as West Ham players have not been issued the same instructions to self-isolate, so he has done nothing wrong.
Hammers boss David Moyes did spend seven days in self-isolation after coming into contact with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has also tested positive for the virus.
However, Moyes never developed any symptoms of coronavirus and has since come out of isolation.
Hudson-Odoi is already recovering from the virus, confirming on Friday that he is staying away from the rest of the squad, but is feeling better.
‘As you may be aware, I’ve had the virus for the last couple of days, which I’ve recovered from,’ tweeted the winger.
‘I’m feeling fine. Following the health guidelines and self-isolating myself from everybody for the week. I hope to see everybody soon and hopefully be back on the pitch very soon.’
Chelsea’s next fixture, ironically, is meant to be at West Ham on Sunday 5 April, as long as the postponement of the Premier League does not extend past the current date of Friday 3 April.
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