Two Watford footballers have apologised publicly after they reportedly broke coronavirus lockdown rules.

Andre Gray and Domingos Quina have both taken to Instagram this afternoon after videos emerged of a birthday gathering hosted by Gray on Friday night.

Watford manager Nigel Pearson dropped the pair for the Premier League match against Southampton on Sunday - a game Watford lost 3-1.

The club released a statement confirming it was investigating social media posts which suggested two of its players contravened Government lockdown protocols.

Watford Observer:

This afternoon, striker Gray released the following statement via his Instragram account: "I wanted to wait to make public apology as my first apology needed to be to my teammates and staff first for not being able to be involved in yesterday's game and the risk I may have caused!

"I just want to reiterate that it was not a late night party like what is being portrayed and only a gathering of friends which turned into a sort of football tournament on my birthday!

"I understand my responsibilities and will do what it takes to make it right, apologies again!"

Watford Observer:

Andre Gray, left, hosted a gathering at his home on Friday. Credit: Action Images

Teammate Quina posted the following message on his Instagram: "I want to make a public apology for attending my teammates' birthday gathering last week.

"It was a silly mistake to make in putting the health and safety of my family, my teammates and others at risk.

"I am in a privileged position as a professional footballer and I appreciate that comes with responsibility of making good decisions and acting in the right way.

"Let us all move on in the knowledge that I will be doing all I can, if called upon, to keep up up which is what the Watford fans deserve."

Watford Observer:

Domingos Quina. Credit: Action Images

Manager Pearson refused to comment on Gray, Quina, and Nathaniel Chalobah being left out of the 20-man Hornets squad following Sunday's home defeat against Southampton, which leaves Watford just a point outside the Premier League relegation zone.

The Daily Mail reported earlier today that Gray and Quina had apologised to Pearson and the rest of the squad - but the publication added they could both still face disciplinary action.

However, there has been no suggestion Chalobah was at the party, with Watford stating on Saturday two of its players were in attendance - now known to be Gray and Quina.

Chalobah is understood to have been left out after he came into contact with one of the players at the gathering.