Tottenham Hotspur midfielder David Bentley apologised to his Premier League club and fans yesterday after being charged with drink driving following a car crash.
The 24-year-old winger, who has nine England caps, crashed his car into a lamp post in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire in the early hours of yesterday morning and was arrested at the scene, Herts police said.
"I want to apologise to my club and the supporters for my actions which led to my car accident last night and my subsequent charge," Bentley said in a statement on the Spurs website (www.spurs.co.uk).
"It was wholly unacceptable and I fully appreciate that as a professional footballer I have a duty to behave in a reputable and responsible manner.
"I am thankful that nobody was injured in the accident. This has been a wake-up call for me both personally and professionally," he added.
Bentley has been bailed and will return to St Albans Magistrates on Aug. 28.