WEST BROMWICH ALBION footballer Jonny Evans has apologised after players were "involved in an incident" in Barcelona during a club training trip.
Northern Ireland international Evans, 30, and fellow West Brom players Garth Barry, Jake Livermore and Boaz Myhill issued the statement after the club launched an investigation.
BBC Sport reports that the four players were interviewed by police after a taxi was allegedly stolen in the Spanish city, but were not arrested.
The club has not confirmed if this was the case.
After speculation over who was at the centre of the club’s investigation, club captain Evans and his teammates issued a statement apologising and identifying themselves “out of respect for teammates who otherwise could be implicated by association“.
“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to our teammates, the Head Coach, the Club and especially the supporters for the events which have been the subject of widespread and negative publicity.”
They added: “We freely acknowledge and apologise for the break of curfew which we accept represented a breach of the standards of professionalism required of us as representatives of West Bromwich Albion FC.”
Mossos d'Esquadra – the Catalan regional police force – told BBC Sport that four men took a taxi to a fast-food restaurant.
When they left at approximately 5.30am, it is alleged they drove the taxi back to their hotel without the driver.
Police were alerted by the hotel and the driver, who was reunited with his vehicle at about 8am.
Belfast-born Evans was linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester City during the January transfer window but remained at West Brom.
The Midlands club are currently bottom of the Premier League, seven points from safety.
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