The Irish footballer who was pictured urinating into a glass at the Cheltenham Festival has apologised, saying it was 'a silly mistake' and that he 'embarrassed everyone'
MK Dons FC midfielder Samir Carruthers, (22), was among a group of footballers who have been banned from the Cheltenham Festival after being photographed urinating into a glass which was emptied over the balcony.
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Carruthers and Northampton Town's James Collins (25) who have both represented the Republic of Ireland at underage level, were pictured relieving themselves in front of a packed crowd.
In an interview on Sky Sports News this afternoon, Carruthers apologised to just about everybody.
"I just want to say I'm sorry to everyone, my family, the club, the chairman, everyone," he began.
"I wasn't raised up to do that and I've let everyone down. I have to take the criticism that comes with it. It's not something that should be laughed about. It's not an example that should be given to kids. I'm a role model and I have to live by my actions. I really am hurt by what I've done. It was a silly mistake."
"They [MK Dons] are obviously let down by me and I am being disciplined for it," he continued.
"I'm really sorry to Cheltenham as well because they took me in and I embarrassed everyone."
The photographs, printed in The Sun, also show Bristol City defender Luke Ayling, 24, smiling and with his arm around Carruthers as the liquid is poured over the railings.
Cheltenham has now moved to block the party from attending day two of the Festival, with the track tweeting: "In regards to images of inappropriate behaviour from yesterday, we have cancelled their booking for today."
Cheltenham Racecourse says MK Dons midfielder Samir Carruthers banned today after photographs emerged showing him urinating in a beer glass
Sophia Dale, the Festival's head of communications, added on Sky Sports News HQ: "It was just this small group of people who made this incident happen and they are not welcome today."
All three clubs said they will investigate the loutish behaviour and Cheltenham has blocked the party from attending day two of the Festival, with the track tweeting: "In regards to images of inappropriate behaviour from yesterday, we have cancelled their booking for today."
The four-day festival is one of the highlights of the horse racing season, with Zara Phillips among the well-heeled guests at this year's event.
Tickets to some of the exclusive enclosures can cost more than £700 (€890) a day but the images are likely to reignite debate over heavy drinking and vulgar behaviour at racing events.
MK Dons said in a statement: "The club is aware of pictures circulating in the national media of one of its players at the Cheltenham Festival. The club has commenced an internal investigation into the matter."
Northampton said in a statement: "Northampton Town Football Club have launched an investigation into claims that forward James Collins, currently on loan from Shrewsbury Town, was involved in a drunken incident at Cheltenham racecourse.
"As a club we take any such claims extremely seriously, and we expect the highest standards of behaviour at all times.
"We are unable to comment further until this investigation has been completed."
Bristol City said in a statement: "We are aware of the disappointing images from the Cheltenham Festival that have been printed in various national newspapers this morning.
"We will be speaking to the players concerned and will take appropriate action where necessary."
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