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Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley AVOID punishment for breaking coronavirus restrictions after Aston Villa stars celebrated Chelsea loanee's birthday at restaurant in London

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has confirmed that Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley have avoided punishment after breaking coronavirus restrictions at the weekend.

Smith has spoken to the pair and reminded them of their responsibilities after they were spotted dining together in a London restaurant to celebrate Barkley's 27th birthday.

Although Grealish and Barkley, who both live in tier 2 areas around Birmingham, did not break any rules by travelling to London, the current guidelines forbid meeting people from different households indoors.

Ross Barkley (L) and Jack Grealish (R) have avoided punishment for breaking Covid-19 rules
The Villa stars went to a restaurant in London to celebrate Barkley's birthday last weekend

Smith admitted he felt a little uneasy disciplining his players for eating together, when they are allowed to do so while training at Bodymoor Heath.