Man City player Benjamin Mendy admits breaking Covid rules by inviting a chef and two friends to a New Year's Eve dinner party - days after a City game was cancelled over virus cases

Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy has admitted breaking coronavirus rules by throwing a New Year's Eve dinner party for people outside his household. 

The French defender last night apologised and accepted he had flouted lockdown restrictions by inviting two friends and a chef to his £5million mansion to see in 2021.

The club is investigating the breach - which came just three days after a Covid-19 outbreak put paid to their fixture against Everton. 

A spokesperson for Mendy, 26, said: 'Benjamin and his partner allowed a chef and two friends of his partner to attend his property for a dinner party on New Years Eve. 

'Ben accepts that this is a breach of Covid-19 protocols and is sorry for his actions in this matter. Ben has had a Covid test and is liaising with Manchester City about this.'

Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy (pictured with his niece) has admitted breaking coronavirus rules by throwing a New Year's Eve party for people outside his household

The French defender last night apologised and accepted he had flouted lockdown restrictions by inviting two friends and a chef to his £5million mansion to see in 2021

Manchester City released a statement saying it was 'disappointed' about the incident, confirming it would launch an investigation.

'The club is aware of a New Year’s Eve covid-19 breach involving Benjamin Mendy and the subsequent media reporting of it. 

'While it is understood that elements of this incident have been misinterpreted in the reports, and that the player has publicly apologised for his error, the club is disappointed to learn of the transgression and will be conducting an internal investigation.'

Mendy travelled to play in Manchester City's Premier League clash against Chelsea in London on Sunday. 

The footballer's New Year's Eve dinner included his partner, his niece and nephew - whom are all in his bubble - and one of his girlfriend's friends and her partner.

A chef was also brought in to his home in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, to cook dinner for the six of them. 

At 11.23pm that night - as Mendy was breaking Tier 4 coronavirus rules - he tweeted: 'Happy New year. Take care of you and yours.'

The Sun, which first reported the breach, point to photographs purportedly showing women carrying balloons outside his home early New Year's Day.

A picture posted to Instagram shows Mendy posing with his niece with balloons which appear to be the same type. 

But sources last night strenuously insisted Mendy did not let these women, who supposedly turned up uninvited, into his house.   

It is not yet clear if Manchester City will take disciplinary action against the star who joined the club in 2017 and has 42 caps.

His rule-breaking came after teammates Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus tested positive for coronavirus and postponing the Everton game. 

His rule-breaking came after teammates Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus tested positive for coronavirus and postponing the Everton game

Tottenham stars Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela, Giovani Lo Celso and West Ham's Manuel Lanzini are believed to have broken Covid-19 rules by spending Christmas together

Manager Pep Guardiola railed against the decision to scrap the match and stressed his players are reminded 'every day... to be careful, stay at home, don't be in contact with other people and do what you have to do.' 

Like all professional sports, footballing bosses are grappling with the pandemic and trying to ensure safety in the game. 

Three Tottenham players are facing heavy fines from their club and possible police action for breaching Covid restrictions by spending Christmas together.

Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and Giovani Lo Celso will be punished after they and West Ham's Manuel Lanzini were pictured on social media celebrating Christmas together with their families.

Both clubs issued statements condemning their actions and three of the players apologised. 

The photograph showed the four footballers posing closely together in a group with 11 other adults, including one dressed as Father Christmas, and three babies and toddlers.