VARDY SORRY FOR HIS ‘REGRETTABLE’ 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 late-night 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. ‘I wholeheartedly apologise for any offence I’ve caused,’ said Vardy. ‘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.’ 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 club tour in the Far East. England international Vardy was said to be gambling at 1.20am on July 26 accompanied by teammates Ritchie de Laet and David Nugent. There is no suggestion the other players did anything wrong. TheSun’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 KickIt 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.’ Less than 24 hours before the latest footage became public, Vardy had been excellent in the win over Sunderland, linking up well alongside Shinji Okazaki, the Japanese international making his debut. Vardy scored the first goal of new manager Claudio Ranieri’s reign, with Riyad Mahrez adding two and Marc Albrighton sealing the win. Sunderland replied with goals from Jermain Defoe and Scotland striker 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.