The British government is increasingly troubled by footballers hugging and kissing in celebrations, risking coronavirus infections and the sport’s ability to be allowed to continue during the latest lockdown.

The concern comes even as the coronavirus outbreak at Aston Villa led to the postponement of another Premier League game.

“A significant number of players and staff remain in isolation” at Villa, the league said on Thursday after granting the club’s request to no longer play Everton on Sunday.

Villa’s game against Tottenham on Wednesday was also called off.

Outbreaks at Premier League teams have heightened concerns about the avoidable and very visible close contact between players.

“Everyone in the country has had to change the way they interact with people and ways of working,” sports minister Nigel Huddleston tweeted.

“Footballers are no exception. Covid secure guidelines exist for football. Footballers must follow them and football authorities enforce them strictly.”

The Premier League has warned clubs that punishments will be handed out for flouting the rules.

Huddleston linked on Twitter to a news story about the league’s letter to clubs which specified players should avoid handshakes, high-fives and hugs and that they were “fortunate to be able to continue to play.”

That warning was not adhered to by Sheffield United and Manchester United players while celebrating scoring on Tuesday.