Inter stars Romelu Lukaku, Achraf Hakimi, Ivan Perisic, and Ashley Young were caught red-handed by the local authorities at a dinner to celebrate the 28th birthday of the Belgian striker. The director of the Square Milano Duomo hotel, the location of the get-together, the players, and approximately other 20 peoples were fined for breaking the laws to contain the spread of COVID-19, Corriere della Sera reported.
They were busted in the middle of the night, while there is currently a 10 pm curfew in Italy. Moreover, gatherings are forbidden, especially in public establishments. The policemen intervened after the call by a neighbor, according to the early reports. The rumors about it being a publicity stunt pulled off by an influencer have not been confirmed.
It is the second incident of this kind involving Serie A stars after the one occurred to Paulo Dybala and Weston McKennie at a private mansion in April. Inter will face Juventus Saturday in a match that carries little meaning for the Beneamata, which have already clinched the title, while the Bianconeri are fighting for a Champions League berth.
According to the outlet, it is unlikely that the team was made aware in advance of the party, which they would have probably nixed. The Old Lady opted to suspend their players for one game, and it is unclear whether the Nerazzurri will take the same measure to send a message. Two weeks ago, the crowded title celebrations by Inter fans in the streets of Milan caused major consternation in Italy.