COPS HOLD PREM ACES BEFORE CUP CLASH
Prem stars quizzed over car antics
FOUR West Bromwich Albion first team players were held by police after a taxi was stolen during an alleged booze-up on a bonding break in Spain.
The incident came hours before the rockbottom team’s FA Cup 5th Round tie against Southampton today.
FOUR Premier League stars were quizzed by police after allegedly stealing a taxi.
West Brom’s Jonny Evans, Jake Livermore, Gareth Barry and Boaz Myhill were reported to be returning to their hotel at 5.30am after a night out.
The team – who are bottom of the league and play against Southampton in the FA Cup today – had been on a three-day training trip to Barcelona when they decided to hit town.
Suspects
Police were called after they set off in the taxi from a McDonald’s drivethrough early on Thursday. They then left it outside their five-star The One hotel and went to their rooms.
The four were later dragged out of bed and hauled down to a police station. Last night the Baggies launched an inquiry and pledged the culprits would face the “full rigours” of its “internal disciplinary procedures”.
Manager Alan Pardew, 56, had taken the team away to try to turn around results that have left them seven points from relegation safety.
A police source said: “It appears the players decided to take a taxi to a McDonald’s drive-through and for some reason left there in the cab but without the cab driver.
“The four weren’t formally arrested but they were taken to the station as suspects for a crime of vehicle theft.
“A report will now be submitted to an investigating judge who will decide on the next steps to take.”
The source added: “The judge could decide to summon them for further questioning but that will be something the courts have to decide.’’
Staff at The One declined to comment yesterday but a receptionist who called police is reported to have told officers the players had looked a “little the worse for wear”.
Last night the players, who were pictured together during a dinner on the trip, issued a statement saying: “We would like to apologise to our team-mates, the head coach, the club and especially the supporters.
“We felt it important we identify ourselves as the players involved out of respect for team-mates who otherwise could be implicated by association.
“We freely acknowledge and apologise for the break of curfew which we accept represented a breach of the standards of professionalism required of us.”