Dominic Raab has been photographed without a mask at a Chelsea football match this week, despite the club urging supporters to keep masks on when seated in the stadium.
On Wednesday, Raab had travelled to watch a game at Chelsea's home ground, Stamford Bridge. Chelsea drew with their rival team, Brighton and Hove Albion. A fan near Raab had taken a photograph of the unmasked Deputy Prime Minister where it appears a fan next to him had been wearing a face covering. Other people in the background can be seen without a face covering.
Chelsea had issued "important information" for attendees which told them: "Supporters will be required to wear masks in all indoor areas of the stadium, including the concourses, except when they are eating or drinking. Masks are not required when seated or walking outside the stadium, but they are recommended."
A spokesperson for Raab defended him and said: "He followed the rules at all times."
A source who observed this happen at the game said: "Personally I find it quite surprising that a senior minister would think it wise to sit in a tightly crowded public arena and ignore health recommendations to wear a mask for 90 minutes during this Omicron surge. For me it's his decision-making which should be called into question. It's a busy football game, he can be easily spotted and Covid cases are high. He's not really bothered about setting the best example."