Shocking video footage shows young men flouting social distancing rules by playing a big game of football in a Birmingham park.
The group were filmed passing the ball to each other in the basketball courts in St Margaret’s Recreational Ground in the Ward End area of Birmingham, clearly flouting social distancing rules.
This clear flouting of social distancing rules happened on Saturday afternoon (May 2).
The men got close to each other on several occasions when tackling another player for the ball.
It went ahead despite government rules banning gatherings of more than two people and only allowing people from the same household to exercise together outside.
The basketball courts where there men were spotted playing are said to be locked. The men reportedly jumped over in order to kick the ball around together.
This marks the second time police have had to disperse a gathering in the same location as they had to take the same action with a prayer meeting early last month.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, who is looking after the ward as the current councilor recovers from Covid-19, said: “I received a call from a constituent who was appalled that again people were flouting the social distancing and mass gathering guidelines.
“I watched the video and was appalled that despite reminders, people are still putting their lives at risk.
“I know police have carried out high visibility patrols and issued fixed penalties but cuts to their numbers, their resources are limited.
“I understand those pitches are locked so I’m assuming those playing jumped over.”
Cllr Mahmood informed West Midlands Police of the breach by webchat.
He added: “I think it’s time that the fines for breaching the Covid-19 lockdown rules are quadrupled for repeated offenders.”
No one should be leaving their homes apart from for a select few reasons, including going to work if you can’t work from home, buying essentials for you or someone vulnerable and for medical reasons.
You are also allowed to take an hour of exercise outside each day as long as you only do so alone or with another member of your current household.
Anyone exercising outside must also follow social distancing rules, staying at least two metres apart from others.
These rules will be in place until it’s assessed as safe enough to begin easing the lockdown, a date for which hasn’t been confirmed yet.
