Man City and Manchester United issue strongly-worded statements after Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden are axed from England squad for quarantine breach
Man City blasted Phil Foden for his 'totally inappropriate' behaviour after breaking COVID-19 guidelines on England duty, while Manchester United also expressed their disappointment over Mason Greenwood's conduct.
The pair have both been removed from the Nations League squad to face Denmark by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate after pictures emerged showing them with girls in a hotel room on Sunday.
Foden, 20 and Greenwood, 18, were both omitted from training on Monday and kept away from the rest of the squad as the Football Association investigated the matter.
The FA concluded that both disregarded quarantine and behaviour rules and have axed them from the squad.
Southgate described the duo's actions as 'naive' on Monday afternoon in his press conference, while revealing they had apologised for the incident.
The two Manchester clubs also responded to the story, with City in particular issuing a strongly worded statement.
"We have also seen the comments from England manager Gareth Southgate. 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.
"The Club supports the FA regarding this incident, and officials from the Club are now in touch in relation to Phil’s enforced early return to the UK.
"We have no further comment to make on this matter."
On Greenwood, United commented: "Manchester United are liaising with the Football Association and are disappointed with the actions of Mason Greenwood over this situation."
The pair both made their international debuts in England's 1-0 win against Iceland on Saturday evening.
Soutgate later confirmed that Foden and Greenwood would travel back to the UK separately following the rule breach, and they arrived in England on Tuesday morning.
The Three Lions boss also described the young pair as ‘naive’ and said they had both apologised for their conduct.
“I think at the moment I’m trying to take a lot of information in,” he said.
“Obviously they have been naive, we have dealt with it appropriately. I recognise their age but the whole world is dealing with this pandemic.
“I’m a father with children, young adults, I know people get things wrong. I’m not excusing that in this instance.
“These are two boys I don’t know particularly well at the moment so can’t speak in great depth. I have got to try and speak with them later in the appropriate way. They have got responsibilities and they have apologised.”