LEICESTER, England - English Premier League club Leicester launched an investigation Sunday after a newspaper obtained a video that allegedly shows three of its players in an orgy with Thai women, one of whom was racially abused.
Leicester plays its home matches at a stadium named for its Thai owners. (Photos from Leicester City Football Club websites)
The players - Tom Hopper, James Pearson and Adam Smith - have returned to England early from the club's tour of Thailand and Leicester said they "would like to convey their sincere apologies for their behaviour - to the women involved in the incident, to the club and its owners, to the club's fans and to their families."
Leicester is owned by Thai billionaires Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. The club was touring Thailand after securing its status in the Premier League last weekend.
The video of the incident was obtained by British newspaper The Sunday Mirror. Pearson is the son of Leicester's manager, Nigel Pearson.
(CAUTION: The video at the external link above includes racist language and sexual scenes.)
For just 3,197 baht, anyone can buy this shirt-shorts combination, an outfit just like the ones worn by Tom Hopper, James Pearson and Adam Smith. The shirts come with "Amazing Thailand" emblazoned on the back.
Leicester's statement claimed that, "A formal process of investigation will be undertaken with the players in conjunction with their representatives.
"The board of Leicester City is deeply concerned. Players at every level are expected to behave as representatives and ambassadors for our football club, both on official club duty and in their personal lives, so we treat their conduct extremely seriously."