After a Real Madrid star found himself in hot water for breaking quarantine rules amid the coronavirus crisis, his father has now insisted he should go to prison if found guilty.
Read: Real Madrid Star Threatened With Jail Time After Breaking Coronavirus Rules
Luka Jovic left Spain, where he was in quarantine after one of Los Blancos' basketball stars had tested positive for COVID-19, last week for his home country Serbia, with reports suggesting that he did so to attend his girlfriend's birthday party.
Jovic's antics even upset his country's president Aleksandar Vucic, who threatened the Real star with time in jail.
However, his father, Milan Jovic, has now come to his son's defence, saying a "misunderstanding" led to his son leaving Spain.
"He had two tests and both came back negative. However, there was a misunderstanding and he didn't realise that he still couldn't leave the country," he told Puls Online, as cited by AS.
"He thought that he could after his negative tests.
"Now he's being made to seem like a criminal. If he has to go to prison, let him go to prison. If he's guilty of wrongdoing, then I'm completely in agreement with the (Serbian) president and prime minister.
"I support the decision – but only if he was in the wrong. He came to Belgrade and shut himself in his apartment straight away.
"The photos showing him (out) having fun are from Spain and were taken months ago."
Click through the gallery below to see some footballers who have spent time in jail:
Jovic's father also insisted that his son only travelled to Serbia to be with his family and not because of his partner's birthday celebrations.
"Luka came to Serbia to be with his family. He didn't come just because of Sofia. He wanted to be with his nearest and dearest in Serbia," he added.
"As a family, we're right behind Luka and his decision. If people want to criticise him, they should do so in a civilised manner.
"It doesn't hurt me, I know the truth. Things have been exaggerated, there were misunderstandings."
Read: 10 Clubs Who Could Be Crowned Champions If Leagues End Now
Jovic joined Real Madrid in a €60 million (R1.1 billion) transfer ahead of this campaign, but has only scored two goals since his move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Do you think Jovic should be punished if he broke quarantine rules? Have your say in the comments section below.
