Leicester Players’ Christmas Party Conduct Deemed “Unacceptable,” Says Caretaker Manager Ben Dawson

Ben Dawson, who assumed the role of Leicester’s caretaker manager following Steve Cooper’s dismissal, stated that the club’s players have been informed their conduct at their Christmas party in Copenhagen was “unacceptable,” though the incident is now considered resolved. The team traveled to Denmark on Saturday, subsequent to their 2-1 loss against Chelsea, with manager Steve Cooper being sacked 24 hours later. A video, which BBC Sport has not verified, circulated showing the squad celebrating in a Copenhagen club, with a sign displaying “Enzo, I miss you” – a reference to former manager Enzo Maresca – visible nearby. Dawson, set to lead the team for Saturday’s Premier League fixture away at Brentford, with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s appointment anticipated shortly, confirmed that discussions had taken place with the squad. He stated, “They’ve had the key message from the club that what’s gone on was not acceptable and we need to move on.” Dawson added, “That was it. All eyes have then been focused on putting in a performance and training well to get a result.” He further commented, “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 currently holds the 16th position in the Premier League standings, sitting one point above the relegation zone. Dawson learned of Cooper’s sacking while he was engaged in a laser tag activity with his family. The former Newcastle coach was requested to take charge of the Foxes’ first team during a Sunday outing where he was relaxing. Cooper’s departure was confirmed in the afternoon, and Dawson had to maintain his composure after being asked to assume the managerial duties. He recounted, “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.” Dawson continued, “I just tried to digest the information, reach out to Steve, Alan [Tate] and Steve [Rands] and check they were OK.” He concluded, “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.”