• News

Crystal Palace’s captain apologizes after breaking Covid-19 regulations

Crystal Palace v Leicester City - Premier League
Getty Images
Advertisement

Luka Milivojevic is being investigated by Crystal Palace for a breach of Coronavirus regulations.

Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic was caught spending New Year’s Eve with his fellow countryman Aleksandar Mitrovic. Moreover, the pair appear on a video playing football together and partying alongside their families. The controversy immediately went viral as it is a clear breach of England’s Tier 4 rules. In fact, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, there can be no household mixing in London.

Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace’s manager, had already condemned his captain’s actions after their last Premier League game. However, the Serbian player kept his armband on the 2-0 over Sheffield United.

“We condemn it, we certainly apologize for it,” said Hodgson. “I’m certain Luka will as well. As far as I’m concerned he should take responsibility for that. It’s an internal matter and we will deal with it, but there’s literally nothing positive I can say on the matter.”

Palace fans enraged as Milivojevic stepped onto the pitch.

As Palace fans made their anger very clear on social media, their captain also released a statement on the club’s website.

“I want to publicly apologize for my actions on New Year’s Eve. As captain of Crystal Palace Football Club I am fully aware that my responsibilities go beyond football, and that in this instance, I have let the fans, the club, my manager, and teammates down.

In what is a really difficult and challenging moment for everyone, I am truly grateful that I am able to continue to do the job I love and I do not take this for granted. I am very sorry to anyone who has been made to feel angry, hurt or upset by my actions.”

Moreover, the player decided to announce a symbolic way of making amends with the UK government after breaching their rules.

“I am making a donation to the local NHS service to help them continue their incredible work in our community fighting this virus.”

x