Greenwood offers grovelling apology after England Covid shame

Mason Greenwood offered a grovelling apology after his Covid-19 hotel shame and admitted he let Gareth Southgate down.

Greenwood, 18, and Phil Foden, 20, were thrown out of England’s squad for meeting girls at a hotel after Saturday’s 1-0 win in Reykjavik.

Before boarding a private plane flying them back to Manchester, the duo were hit with a £1,360 fine by Icelandic authorities for the coronavirus breach.

Foden first issued an apology and now Greenwood has followed by promising it was a “lesson I will learn from”.

He said: “Having now had the chance to reflect on what’s happened, I can only apologise to everyone for the embarrassment I have caused.

“It was irresponsible of me to break the COVID-19 protocols which are in place to protect players, staff and the public.

“In particular, I want to apologise to Gareth Southgate, for letting him down, when he had shown great trust in me.

“Playing for England was one of the proudest moments in my life and I only have myself to blame for this huge mistake.

“I promise my family, the fans, Manchester United and England that this is a lesson I will learn from.”

Both players had made their international debuts in the Nations League win – Foden started the game and Greenwood came off the bench – but will miss tonight’s clash with Denmark and possibly another three games as punishment.

Their clubs did not hold back when condemning their actions in brutal statements.

A comment from United said: “Manchester United are liaising with the Football Association and are disappointed with the actions of Mason Greenwood over this situation.”

City followed up: “It is clear that Phil’s actions were totally inappropriate.

“His behaviour not only directly contravenes strict guidelines related to Covid-19, but also falls well below the standard expected of a Manchester City player and England international.”

Reports from Iceland, including from newspaper DV, suggested the two girls posted photographs of the players on Snapchat.

The squad were exempt from Iceland’s quarantine procedures but still had strict rules to follow and were not allowed to meet any person outside the bubble.

read also:Shamed Foden snapped showing bum to girls he and Greenwood smuggled into team hotel

Foden and Greenwood met Icelandic model Nadia Sif Lindal Gunnarsdottir, 20, and her 19-year-old cousin Lara Clausen.

Nadia revealed she had been chatting to Manchester United forward Greenwood before England travelled to Reykjavik.

A video later surfaced showing the girls on the phone to the footballers as they planned their route into the hotel.