Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been reportedly removed from the line-up for Soccer Aid 2020.
Toure was set to take part in this weekend’s annual game in support of children’s charity Unicef, but The Sun say he will no longer be at the event.
The 37-year-old is alleged to have ‘boasted he could bring 19 girls to the side’s five-star hotel in Cheshire’ to th team’s WhatsApp group, accompanied with a pornographic video.
He issued an apology of sorts on Saturday morning, explaining that ‘it was meant as a joke’.
‘I would like to apologise to everyone involved in Soccer Aid for an inappropriate joke I deeply regret,’ he wrote.
‘It was meant as a joke, however, I lacked thorough consideration for the feelings of all the other participants.
‘That being said I deleted the jokes within minutes and I immediately apologised to all inside the group.
‘We gather for a good cause and this deviates the focus of the game which is to bring everyone together to help children around the world.
‘It’s sad to see an inappropriate joke I made attract the attention which should be fully devoted to the beauty of the charity game.
‘Regardless of the circumstances, I want to take full responsibility. I am a grown man who should not be engaged in such jokes.
‘I am very sorry for my mistake and wish everyone all the best with Soccer Aid on Sunday in raising awareness and funds for important causes.’
A spokesperson for Soccer Aid said:
“Inappropriate content was shared in a private group text. The message was quickly deleted and a full apology was made to all. Soccer Aid for Unicef has discussed the above with the individual involved and he has decided to no longer continue to participate in this year’s event.
Click Here: geelong cats guernsey 2019
“While it was an error of judgment, it was felt that the behaviour didn’t align with the values of the event and its cause, and it was the right thing for him to step back from this year’s match.”
Wayne Rooney is still expected to be handed his ‘first managerial role’ for the England team.