An A-League soccer player has issued a tearful apology after breaking his coronavirus quarantine with a drunken joyride in a golf cart.
Wellington Phoenix defender Tim Payne was arrested for allegedly driving a golf cart while drunk and shirtless on the Wakehurst Parkway on Sydney’s northern beaches at 1am on Tuesday.
The New Zealand international, 26, broke his silence on Thursday with a tearful apology over the alleged incident.
Tim Payne (pictured) issued a tearful apology for allegedly driving a golf cart while drunk and shirtless at 1am on Tuesday
‘I just want to say I am incredibly sorry and incredibly embarrassed for what I’ve done,’ he told Radio Sport.
‘I take full responsibility for my actions and for what unfolded on that night. I’ve let so many people down including my partner, my family, the club as a whole and individuals such as Uffie (coach Ufuk Talay), who has given me a chance this season.
‘I’m incredibly embarrassed and so sorry that I’ve let so many people down.’
The Phoenix are in isolation at the Sydney Academy of Sport for two weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Payne was travelling in the cart with Phoenix goalkeeper Oliver Sail, who has not been charged or accused of any wrongdoing.
Passing motorists on the busy roadway called the police, who stopped the pair near Oxford Falls Road.
The New Zealand international was travelling in the cart with Phoenix goalkeeper Oliver Sail (pictured), who has not been charged or accused of any wrongdoing
Wakehurst Parkway on Sydney’s northern beaches, where the pair were seen driving the golf cart shirtless on Tuesday morning
Payne was taken to Mona Vale police station, where he allegedly returned a mid-range reading of 0.100, the The Daily Telegraph reported.
It is alleged the pair took the golf cart from the academy, which was returned undamaged to the site.
The A-League club released a statement on Thursday.
‘Despite reports to the contrary, initial investigations have found that Tim Payne was not arrested during the incident and no member of the public was involved,’ the statement read.
‘The Wellington Phoenix is taking the matter very seriously and is continuing its investigations. The club will release a further statement once its investigation is complete’
The Phoenix and FFA are investigating the incident, with the players facing potential fines or suspension when the A-League season resumes.
Payne is scheduled to face court in Sydney in June charged with mid-range drink driving, but may lodge his plea in absence from New Zealand.
Lockdowns and quarantines continue across Australia as the national death toll reached 12 and there are 2,675 confirmed cases
Source: Daily Mail New Zealand
