Vardy sorry for his racist slur
Jamie VaRDY yesterday apologised unreservedly for his behaviour after being filmed on a casino’s CCTV using a racial slur against another gambler. Leicester City have launched an investigation into the striker’s actions during a latenight poker game and a hefty fine is expected. in footage published by The Sun on Sunday, Vardy is seen loudly calling a man ‘Jap’ after becoming angered by his actions. Vardy said: ‘i wholeheartedly apologise for any offence i’ve caused. it was a regrettable error in judgment. i take full responsibility and i accept my behaviour was not up to what’s expected of me.’ a Leicester spokesman added: ‘We expect the highest standards from our players on and off the pitch and for them to set an example as role models in our community.
‘We have noted Jamie’s apology and will begin a process of investigation into the incident imminently. There will be no further comment until this process has concluded.’
Leicester are owned by the Thai Srivaddhanaprabha family and it is less than eight weeks since the club terminated the contracts of Tom Hopper, adam Smith and James Pearson, son of former manager Nigel, for using racist language in an orgy while on a goodwill tour in the Far east.
england international Vardy was said to be gambling at 1.20am on July 26 accompanied by team-mates Ritchie de Laet and David Nugent. There is no suggestion the other players did anything wrong.
The Sun’s clip, taken from the Leicester casino’s CCTV, shows Vardy pointing at the man and saying: ‘Jap. Yo Jap. Walk on. Walk on...oi, walk on. Yeah you... Jap. Walk on.’ Vardy believed the man, described as being east asian in appearance, was looking at his cards, according to the newspaper.
anti-racism group Kick it Out contacted Leicester after the report emerged, with director Roisin Wood saying: ‘Footballers, no matter the level they play at, are role models on and off the field, and their behaviour can impact millions of fans across the country.
‘if these allegations are proven, we would consider it to be a serious matter and would expect the club to conduct a swift and thorough investigation. We have contacted the club and await their response.’
Less than 24 hours before the latest footage became public, Vardy had been excellent against Sunderland, linking up well alongside Shinji Okazaki, the Japanese international making his debut.
Vardy scored the first goal of Claudio Ranieri’s reign, with Riyad mahrez adding two and marc albrighton sealing the win despite goals from Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher.
after scoring albrighton pointed to the sky in celebration and remembrance of two close family members who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Tunisia in June.
Sue Davey, the mother of albright- on’s girlfriend Chloe, and her partner Scott Chalkley were among 38 killed.
‘We have my girlfriend’s brother Conor Fulford living with us,’ said albrighton. ‘He was getting into me saying, “You need to do something for my mum”. Chloe has been saying her mum has been up there putting a few things right and she has definitely helped me out.’
SUPER STAT: Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe has now scored in 15 different Premier League seasons, and has 129 goals in total.
LEICESTER CITY (4-4-2): Schmeichel 6.5; De Laet 6.5 (Benalouane 75min, 6), Huth 6, Morgan 6, Schlupp 6.5; Albrighton 8, Drinkwater 7.5, King 7, Mahrez 9 (Fuchs 77); Okazaki 7, Vardy 8.5. (Kante 82). Subs not used: Hammond, Kramaric, Ulloa, Schwarzer.
Scorers: Vardy 11, Mahrez 18, 25 (pen), Albrighton 66. Booked: Schlupp, Vardy.
SUNDERLAND (4-3-3): Pantilimon 7; Jones 3 (Matthews 54, 5), Coates 3.5, Kaboul 4, Van Aanholt 4; Larsson 5, Cattermole 4 (Fletcher 30, 7), Rodwell 6; Johnson 6, Defoe 7, Lens 6.5.
Subs not used: Bridcutt, O’Shea, Graham, Giaccherini, Mannone. Scorers: Defoe 60, Fletcher 71. Booked: Jones, Kaboul, Coates, Rodwell.
Man of the match: Riyad Mahrez. Referee: Lee Mason 6.