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Piers Morgan in on-air 'GMB' rant at 'idiots' not self-isolating

British journalist and television personality Piers Morgan poses for a photograph as he arrives for the European premiere of Eddie The Eagle in London on March 17, 2016. / AFP / LEON NEAL        (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)
British journalist and television personality Piers Morgan poses for a photograph as he arrives for the European premiere of Eddie The Eagle in London on March 17, 2016. / AFP / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Good Morning Britain’s Piers Morgan didn’t hold back today after he let rip at “idiots” ignoring the government’s coronavirus lockdown measures.

The media has been full of people ignoring self-isolation rules implemented to try and slow the spread of the deadly virus - and Morgan let rip in a scathing tirade.

The presenter, today celebrating his 55th birthday, saved the harshest criticism for public figures who have been flouting the rules, in particular Premier League footballer Jack Grealish and Labour MP Stephen Kinnock.

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The Aston villa midfielder Grealish was snapped wearing in a hoody after apparently being involved in a car accident which saw a Range Rover hit two parked cars on Sunday morning - less than a day after he had urged people to “stay home” on social media.

Meanwhile Kinnock, MP for Aberavon drove to visit his parents so he could wish his father a happy birthday.

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Speaking of Grealish, Morgan said: "Another day, another load of idiots. England footballer Jack Grealish. Aston Villa star. Had a lot to say last week. Gave a video message. ‘To help save lives you must stay at home’.

"Really good words. Until you go out to your mate’s house on the lash for a party. Get into a car and crash into a load of other cars, allegedly.

"What were you thinking Jack? What happened to your little guidance? What happened to what you told us about saving lives and staying home?

"Doesn’t help when an England star, a role model, does that. Acts with total impurity and selfishness and recklessness. Shame on you."

He then questioned Kinnock’s decision to drive from Wales to London to wish his dad happy birthday while sitting apart in the garden.

He continued: "All you have to do is stay at home and obey the rules. There’s a section of our community who doesn’t care.

"Who can blame them when you have a politician, Stephen Kinnock, driving from his constituency in Wales to London to see his father. The local police say it’s not essential travel.

"He says he’s taking essential supplies. Really? Were you Stephen Kinnock? Or just going to wish your dad happy birthday. His dad’s a great man.

"It’s my birthday today. I’m not expecting my parents to rock up in the car. It would be dangerous for them. I’m sure someone closer than Wales can get essential travel to your parents."

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He added: "Just stay near your home. This is all you have to do. This is our contribution to the war effort. People can’t get it in their thick skulls.

“I find it a ludicrous notion. This generation isn’t being asked to go over the trenches and fight for liberation and freedom. They’re being asked to sit and watch TV.

"It’s got to stop. The next two to three weeks are going to be mayhem for the health service.”

GMB airs on ITV weekdays from 6am.