Derby County captain Richard Keogh was ruled out before the conclusion of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury”as a consequence of an alcohol-related incident”, the team has supported.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, on what Derby explained in a statement as a”scheduled team-building dinner with employees”.
The team has promised to maintain a”rigorous internal investigation” to the activities of a few of their players, while also assuring to”support them with their rehabilitation back into the team and squad”.
“As a club, we cannot, and do not, condone the actions of a small set of gamers on Tuesday evening,” read the official statement.
“The players were outside within a scheduled team-building supper together with team and as the majority of them acted sensibly and abandoned around 8pm and weren’t involved, a small group, including the club captain Richard Keogh, lasted drinking into the night.
“They ought to have known when to cease and also ignored the opportunity to be pushed home using cars laid on by the bar, and decided to stay out.
“As a consequence of an alcohol-related episode, Richard Keogh has sustained a serious knee injury which can stop him from playing before the end of the season.
“The players involved in the incident on Tuesday evening is subject to a strict internal investigation under the club’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures, but over and above any punishment that they receive we’ll be expecting them to become involved with the fantastic job the Community Trust will helping the communities we all serve.
“We have been very clear about our attitude towards alcohol and the players know that at certain and particular times of the year they are permitted a drink together as a group at a controlled atmosphere.
“Individuals included in Tuesday’s incident know they will pay a heavy price for their actions, but also that we will support them with their rehabilitation back in the team and squad.
“We completely support the work of our mates at Drinkaware and the unsanctioned activities of the small group of gamers is completely at odds the stance both Drinkaware and Derby County Football Club participate alcohol.
“We will be using this situation to redouble our efforts in highlighting the dangers posed by smoking.
“We’d also like to thank the emergency services to their speedy help.”
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