Leicester City players have been reprimanded for their “unacceptable” behavior during a Christmas party in Copenhagen, but the team has moved past the incident, according to caretaker manager Ben Dawson.
The players traveled to Denmark last Saturday following their 2-1 defeat by Chelsea, with manager Steve Cooper being dismissed just 24 hours later.
A video, which BBC Sport has not verified, surfaced showing the squad partying in a Copenhagen club, featuring a sign that read, “Enzo, I miss you” — a nod to former manager Enzo Maresca.
Dawson, who will oversee the team for Saturday’s Premier League match against Brentford amid expectations of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s imminent appointment, confirmed that the players have been addressed regarding the matter.
“They’ve had the key message from the club that what’s gone on was not acceptable and we need to move on,” he said.
“That was it. All eyes have then been focused on putting in a performance and training well to get a result.
“Every player needs some time off. The time off at that time was scheduled, the players were entitled to do what they want. The particular issue has been dealt with quickly internally and we’ve moved on from it.”
Leicester are 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.
‘I was at laser tag’
Ben Dawson revealed that he learned of Steve Cooper’s dismissal while enjoying a laser tag outing with his family.
The former Newcastle coach was approached to temporarily take charge of Leicester City’s first team during a Sunday leisure trip.
Dawson received official confirmation of Cooper’s departure that afternoon and had to stay composed despite the unexpected responsibility.
He said: “I was at laser tag with my two boys and my wife and a group of grassroots players and parents. I tried to look relaxed and calm. Then the news breaks publicly and you face a lot of questions.
“I just tried to digest the information, reach out to Steve, Alan [Tate] and Steve [Rands] and check they were OK.
“Like the players, it’s my time off, I’m trying to spend a bit of time with my family, switch off and detach so I can come back refreshed and ready to go.”