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Petr Cech Slams COVID Rules As England Players Mason Mount And Ben Chilwell Forced To Self-Isolate

Petr Cech Slams COVID Rules As England Players Mason Mount And Ben Chilwell Forced To Self-Isolate

Has he got a point?

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Petr Cech has labelled the decision behind Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount being forced to self-isolate as "incomprehensible".

It was confirmed on Tuesday that both Chelsea players would miss England's final group stage game against Czech Republic after the pair came into close contact with Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour.

Gilmour, who won the Man of the Match award against England, tested positive for COVID on Monday morning, meaning both Chilwell and Mount must complete 10 days of isolation - a ruling that has completely baffled former goalkeeper Cech.

Image credit: PA
Image credit: PA

The 39-year-old, who made 124 appearances for Czech Republic during a 14-year international career, hit out at the decision on social media, just hours after the confirmation emerged.

He wrote: "Please could someone help me understand how is it possible Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell - both with negative tests - have to isolate after they got in contact with Billy Gilmour while the entire Scottish team who shared the dressing room, hotel, coach and plane while travelling, dining room, meeting room are allowed to play the game without any problem because they returned the required negative tests?

"What is the difference between them returning the same test results? It is incomprehensible."

As well as embracing at full-time, the trio had a 25-minute chat in the tunnel following the 0-0 draw, according to The Mirror - a decision that appears to have been the potential coronavirus rule breach.

Gilmour will therefore miss Scotland's final group stage clash against Croatia on Tuesday night, while Chilwell and Mount are ruled out until June 28.

In fact, both players could miss England's round of 16 clash depending on when the fixture falls.

Image credit: PA
Image credit: PA

If Gareth Southgate's side beat Czech Republic on Tuesday evening then they will then play their first knockout game on June 29.

If they finish second, that would mean England play their round of 16 tie on June 28, when both Mount and Chilwell are still isolating.

Baring in mind that both players will not have trained with the squad in the build-up to these games, it is unlikely that Chilwell and Mount will play a part in the last-16 tie.

Image credit: PA
Image credit: PA

Thoughts on the decision? Do you agree with Petr Cech?

Let us know in the comments.

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Topics: Petr Cech, Mason Mount, Football, England, Ben Chilwell, Scotland