Tottenham Hotspur condemned the actions of midfielders Erik Lamela, Giovani Lo Celso and defender Sergio Reguilon after the trio breached COVID-19 protocols to attend a Christmas party. 

Pictures on social media showed the three Spurs players at a party with West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini.

Under British government guidelines set on December 19, those living in Tier 4 regions such as London, where the two clubs are based, were not allowed to mix with others outside their own household over Christmas.

"We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas," a Spurs spokesperson said in a statement released to British media on Saturday.

"The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example. The matter will be dealt with internally."

Reguilon was named among the substitutes for Spurs' Premier League game at home to Leeds United on Saturday, while Lamela and the injured Lo Celso were both left out of the squad.

Asked about the incident after his side's 3-0 win over Leeds, Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said he was disappointed.

"We give the players all the education, and it was a negative surprise for us," he told reporters. "We know what we are internally. We don't need to tell you the consequences, how we approached that negative surprise."

Harry Kane gave his side the lead from the penalty spot, his 10th league goal of the season, then combined with Son, who doubled Tottenham's tally just before halftime.

It was the South Korean striker Son Heung-min's 100th goal for Tottenham and the 13th time this season that the pair had combined for a league goal, equaling the whole season record set by Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton for Blackburn Rovers in 1994-95.

"I think in the Premier League there are many good players everywhere, even in clubs where you don't believe they can have great players," Mourinho said. "But I have to say that Sonny and Harry are doing special things this season."