Leicester Midfielder Apologies For Offensive Twitter Posts
29 April 2019, 17:27 | Updated: 29 April 2019, 17:30
Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury has apologised after a series of offensive historic Twitter posts came to light.
The 21-year-old had been in the spotlight for a series of Tweets from 2013 and 2014 which were revealed over the weekend.
Some had racial references and were posted when Choudhury was 15 and 16 years old.
In a statement, he said: "I've learned a lot as a person in my early years as a professional - certainly enough to know that some of the thoughtless comments I have made in the past are both hurtful and offensive.
"They do not represent my true beliefs. I'm deeply sorry to anyone I have offended - both at the time and since they've been recirculated.
"I've grown up a lot since then and learned a lot about life, but I accept that I have to take responsibility for the comments I have made in the past and will be a better, wiser person for it."
One was critical of women's football, saying: "That has to be the worst advert sums up womens football to be honest."
In June 2013, he wrote: "Why are black people so fast. Because the slow ones are in prison."
And in August that year, Choudhury tweeted: "sorry but i dont feel sorry for people who self harm or commit suicide."
A Leicester spokesman said: "Hamza's approach to addressing the matter and the remorse he has expressed shows the maturity he has developed in the years that have passed since the comments were made.
"He now has a far greater understanding of the impact his words and behaviour can have and is committed to using that influence in the positive, respectful and accepting manner his more recent growth has demonstrated."
The England Under-21 international will not be subject to any further disciplinary action.
He made his first start under boss Brendan Rodgers on Sunday, impressing in the 3-0 win over Arsenal.
He has made 19 appearances for the Foxes - 10 this season - having come through the club's youth system.
Choudhury was called into the England Under-21 squad for friendlies with Poland and Germany last month ahead of Euro 2019 in Italy and San Marino in June.
