Midfielder Arturo Vidal will not be suspended from Chile’s Copa America squad despite being charged with drunk driving following a car crash, coach Jorge Sampaoli said yesterday as Vidal made a public apology.

“He made a mistake that isn’t such a determining factor as to exclude him,” Sampaoli said. “What we need is to include him.”

Vidal was charged with drunk driving after crashing his red Ferrari some 30 km south of Santiago on Tuesday night, following an afternoon off from training that he spent at a casino. He is expected to start Chile’s final Group A match against Bolivia tomorrow.

Arturo Vidal cries as he delivers a news conference yesterday.

Hospital director Sergio Aguilera said three people were hurt including the player, who “had a lightly bruised neck.”

“I had two drinks and had an accident, as everyone knows, and put the life of my wife and other people at risk. And for that I’m really sorry,” Vidal told reporters, his voice cracking as he held back tears.

“I’m really embarrassed and all I can do is ask for forgiveness... and show on the field that this opportunity I’ve been given is worth something,” said Vidal.

After the crash Vidal spent the night in custody and a judge suspended his driver’s licence.