Piers Morgan has questioned why England boss Gareth Southgate didn’t reveal he had coronavirus three days after they attended GQ’s Heroes event last month.
It had recently been reported that the football manager, 50 – who tested positive on October 25 – battled the virus in secret and was forced to self-isolate for ten days.
After hearing the news, the GMB host, 55, was left confused as he publicly asked the former defender whether he was aware of his diagnosis and experienced symptoms on Twitter on Sunday, admitting: ‘If dates are correct, that’s disgraceful.’
That’s disgraceful’: Piers Morgan has questioned why Gareth Southgate didn’t reveal he had Covid three days after they attended GQ’s Heroes event in October (pictured at the event)
Broadcaster Piers spoke to filmmaker Hassan Akkad about working in a hospital ward during the crisis, while sportsman Gareth discussed COVID-19’s impact on football with editor Stuart McGurk.
While the guests and interviewers spoke at Union Chapel in Islington, the event was held digitally for the most part in accordance with government restrictions and guidelines.
On the former Middlesbrough manager’s positive test result, Piers tweeted on Sunday: ‘Hmmmm… England manager Gareth Southgate reportedly tested positive for Covid-19 on Oct 25.
Did he know? The football manager, 50 (pictured at the event) – who tested positive on October 25 – battled the virus in secret and was forced to self-isolate for ten days
‘He didn’t tell any of us he tested positive 3 days later’: The GMB host, 55, was left confused as he publicly asked the former defender whether he was aware of his diagnosis on Sunday
Detailed talk: Broadcaster Piers spoke to filmmaker Hassan Akkad about working in a hospital ward during the crisis
‘I was chatting with him on Oct 22 at GQ Heroes event, with the magazine’s editors. He didn’t tell any of us he tested positive 3 days later. If dates are correct, that’s disgraceful.’
In a separate tweet, the presenter said: ‘I have some questions for Gareth Southgate: 1) When exactly did you first became covid symptomatic?
‘2) Was the test on Oct25 routine or because you had symptoms? 3) Why did you not tell people you knew who you’d been with on Oct22 that you tested positive?’
Insight: Sportsman Gareth maintained social distancing rules as he discussed COVID-19’s impact on football with editor Stuart McGurk
Bold: The TV star shared a list of questions for Gareth on Twitter
It can take from a few hours to several days to receive COVID-19 test results. Results should be returned within 48 hours for tests taken at regional sites and three days for home tests.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Gareth for further comment.
Only a small number of people knew the former Aston Villa player tested positive – with players on the England team remaining in the dark.
Recovered: The former Aston Villa player appeared in good spirits during England’s triumphant win over Ireland on Thursday (pictured)
A source told The Sun: ‘He’s a professional, he just got on with it. Fortunately he’s very fit for his age.’
His self isolation meant he was forced to miss Premier League matches which he planned to attend as part of preparation for ongoing international games.
He was Covid-free by November 5, when he revealed his 29-man England squad via a Zoom call. Since his positive test, he has tested negative several times.
In March, Southgate kicked off an NHS campaign which enlisted the help of leading sports stars to encourage fans to stay at home amid the crisis.
He said at the time: ‘Life is very different for us all at the moment and sport rightfully stands aside to support a more important cause during these unprecedented times,’ the Three Lions boss said.
‘We were supposed to be welcoming Italy and Denmark to Wembley Stadium in the coming days but football is insignificant as we are all in the midst of a global battle.
‘Now is the time for sport to come together, speak with one voice and be united behind a very clear message: stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.’
Southgate appeared in good spirits during England’s triumphant win over Ireland on Thursday.
On the low: Only a small number of people knew the businessman tested positive – with players on the England team remaining in the dark (pictured on November 12)