This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
On June 28, 2020, Watford Football Club took a drastic measure to protect the health and safety of its players, staff, and officials by removing three players from their matchday squad against Southampton.
The players in question are Andre Gray, Nathaniel Chalobah, and Domingos Quina, who were not part of Nigel Pearson's 20-man squad.
The decision came after Gray posted a series of videos on social media showing a large gathering to celebrate his 29th birthday on Friday.
Quina, 20, was seen in the videos playing football with a group on an artificial pitch in Gray's garden, which is against the rules in England that restrict gatherings in gardens and outdoor spaces to six people due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Watford Football Club stated that it is aware of social media posts suggesting that two players contravened Government lockdown protocols and will investigate fully and speak to the players concerned.
The Hornets are in desperate need of the three points at Vicarage Road as they sit just one point outside the relegation zone.
