REPUBLIC of Ireland footballer Richard Keogh has suffered a serious injury after being involved in a road crash.
In a statement, his club Derby County said the crash followed a team-building dinner.
Two players, Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett, were charged with drink-driving following the incident on Tuesday.
Police said a Range Rover Sport and a Mercedes GLC collided.
"As a club, we cannot, and do not, condone the actions of a small group of players on Tuesday," Derby County said.
"The players were out as part of a scheduled team-building dinner with staff and while the majority of them acted responsibly and left at around 8pm and were not involved, a small group, including the team captain Richard Keogh, continued drinking into the night.
"They should have known when to stop and also ignored the opportunity to be driven home using cars laid on by the club, and chose to stay out.
"As a result of an alcohol-related incident, Richard Keogh has sustained a serious knee injury that will prevent him from playing until the end of the season."
