Aaron Connolly has been disciplined by Brighton for breaching coronavirus guidelines; the striker reportedly invited a woman into a house in which he had been staying; Brighton boss Graham Potter says Connolly is available for the game against Newcastle on Saturday, live on Sky Sports
Thursday 18 March 2021 16:45, UK
Brighton striker Aaron Connolly has been sanctioned by the club for a breach of coronavirus restrictions.
The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international reportedly invited a woman into a house in which he had been staying.
Seagulls head coach Graham Potter said: "It's something we have dealt with internally, the club is dealing with it.
"Clearly a mistake has been made. Our position is quite clear. The players know their responsibilities, they know what they should or shouldn't be doing.
"Aaron's made a mistake, we've dealt with that and we have to move on. He's a human being. These things happen.
"Clearly it's not something we're happy about, but it's been dealt with."
Connolly has missed Brighton's last two matches due to a cracked rib, but he has resumed training.
Potter will decide on Friday whether to recall the forward for Saturday evening's crunch meeting with Newcastle, live on Sky Sports.
"We've got a few to make a decision on. I need to have a think about that," added Potter.
"He's trained, he's available, and I'll have to make a call."
Potter played down the significance of the visit of Newcastle despite knowing a win would lift Brighton four points above the Magpies in the relegation battle.
"All the games in the Premier League are huge, that's how I think about them," he said.
"When you are in the situation we're in the next game is always the most important.
"You look at where the two teams are that adds some extra importance. But it's one of 10 games. There's a lot of football to be played afterwards.
"It's two teams fighting for the points and two teams who know they are capable of winning."
