Mourinho rebuked by London Mayor for training players in park

LONDON MAYOR Sadiq Khan has criticised Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho and some of his players for training in a public park despite the coronavirus lockdown.

Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were seen jogging side by side on Hadley Common in Barnet, north London, yesterday, while Mourinho gave instruction from a two-metre distance.

The Spurs manager also did a one-on-one coaching session with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, while observing social distancing rules. In addition, defender Serge Aurier posted a video of himself on Instagram running closely alongside someone else.

Government guidelines are that people can exercise once a day alone, or with members of the same household, during the current coronavirus restrictions.

Khan said: “My concern is people, particularly children who may support Spurs or follow football, will watch these images and say, ‘if it’s OK for them, why isn’t it OK for me?’

“The point I would make, with politeness and courtesy, is ask yourself a question: is what I’m doing really necessary? And the answer is no, I don’t think it is necessary to be training in proximity with another player who may be carrying the virus.

“And what you’re doing is inadvertently, unintentionally, potentially spreading the virus.”

A spokesperson for Tottenham said: "All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors. We shall continue to reinforce this message."

Last week Mourinho worked alongside Age UK and Love Your DoorStep in Enfield, near Spurs' training ground, to prepare and deliver food parcels and other items to vulnerable members of the community.

Mourinho later said: "I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we must only have contact with members of our own household.

"It is vital we all play our part and follow government advice in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives."