Fined for skipping quarantine to celebrate Messi's birthday

A group of soccer fans in Bangladesh have been fined for violating health guidelines for prevent coronavirus while celebrating Lionel Messi's birthday, according to Thursday officials from the country explained.

Magistrate Feroz Hossain said he ordered a fine of 100 taka (1.04 euro) each for the 15 people gathered in a restaurant in the Chuadanga district, almost 170 kilometers west of the capital Dhaka.

“We found them sitting inside the restaurant, waiting for Messi's birthday celebration, “Hossain said, who led a team of soldiers charged with ensuring that people follow health guidelines to stop the spread of the virus.

Messi turned 33 on Wednesday. Fans, most of whom were minors, they were penalized for not following the rules for physical distance in a closed area, he said, adding that the restaurant owner was fined 6,000 taka (63 euros) for keeping it open after sunset.

After lifting the national shutdown on May 30, Bangladesh has been imposing localized blockades to slow the spread of the virus, which has infected 126,606 people, including 1,621 deaths, till the date.

Soccer is a popular sport in Bangladesh, despite the fact that the South Asian country has never qualified for a final round of a World Cup. Star players, including Messi, have a large following in the country.