Footballers have been told to scrap their Christmas parties this year to avoid breaching UK coronavirus laws.
Christmas bashes have long been an annual tradition for players — but clubs in the Premier League and EFL have advised their players against organising festivities with team-mates amid concerns they would be likely to break pandemic restrictions.
In addition to the health risks, the potential for a PR disaster is a concern for clubs as they look to stay out of trouble this month.
Indoor social gatherings are banned under current guidelines, but the Government permits parties of six to meet if they are holding a 'business meeting' — a technicality players could use to circumvent the rules.