Brighton’s Graham Potter says football is ‘not life or death’ and must ‘stick to rules’ after Covid breaches

Potter added: “We are incredibly fortunate to be in this position because there are a lot of industries that have been forced to close and stop, but we are carrying on.

“People often refer to pressure whereas, to me, you take a look at the news, see people work on the frontline, in the NHS with Covid and in the hospitals and I think: ‘that’s pressure’.

“We are fortunate and, whilst we want to fight for points, win matches and do our best, there is always an element of perspective that you need to have.

“Whilst I agree that we want to play the games, get them all done, there is a bigger thing going on and we have to adapt to that.”

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Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic issued an apology after he broke coronavirus rules on New Year’s Eve when his household mixed with Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic and his family.

Manchester City full-back Benjamin Mendy was another to have hosted friends at his house on December 31, while three Tottenham players – Erik Lamela, Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon – attended a Christmas party where West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini was also present.

Potter believes education of the importance of everyone following the Government guidelines is key going forwards into 2021.

“Of course you try to remind them, speak to them, you have to remember they [players] are human beings, sometimes human beings make mistakes,” the Brighton boss said.

“We also want to try to help them, educate them, help them live through these difficult times and understand their privileged position and their fortune – which I think they do – but it is good to remind everybody.”

PA

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