Ben Cabango: Swansea City defender must learn after Covid breach, says Steve Cooper

Defender Ben Cabango has played in one of Swansea's last six matches

Steve Cooper says Ben Cabango must become a "better professional" after the defender breached Swansea City's Covid-19 protocols.

Cabango missed Tuesday's 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday after South Wales Police confirmed they "responded to a report of a disturbance" in Swansea at around 23:00 BST on Saturday.

Cooper says the Wales centre-back, 20, will face club sanctions.

"There's no doubt that Ben's made a huge mistake," said the Swansea boss.

"He has let himself and his family down first and foremost and then everybody else around, including his team-mates and the football club.

"There's no hiding away from that and he knows that. He has fallen below the standards with regards to Covid that we have set since we returned.

"A lesson needs to be learned quickly, not just about adhering to Covid regulations but about what it means to be a 24-seven professional athlete."

Cabango was sent home from Swansea's training ground on Monday and is awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test.

BBC Sport understands police were called to a house party.

"Upon arrival a number of individuals were spoken to and stop-searched by officers," a police statement said. "No offences were identified and no further action was taken."

Cooper says Swansea are talking to Public Health Wales about when Cabango will be cleared to return to training.

"He is a really good lad. He is hurting, he is very apologetic and he knows he's done wrong," Cooper added.

"There will be some sanctions for sure. We'll keep that in-house. But I don't mind saying publicly that the appropriate action will be taken. This won't be brushed under the carpet, that's for sure.

"But I think it's important on the basis everybody's safe and well, we all move on and hopefully he can be a better professional than what he has shown."

In an earlier statement, Swansea said they were "aware of an incident involving a first-team player that occurred over the weekend".

"The player in question has been sent home from the training bubble and as a result will not feature in Tuesday's game against Sheffield Wednesday," the club added.

"We work closely with Public Health Wales and have a strict set of Covid-19 protocols within the club and we have made these abundantly clear to all players and staff.

"It is disappointing that these protocols have been breached, and as a club we expect all personnel to adhere to such guidelines in a manner that is indicative of the huge sacrifices made by so many.

"The club will now conclude the matter internally."

Swansea are third in the Championship as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.

In March, 2021 Cabango agreed a new Swansea City contract which runs until the summer of 2025.