Leicester City trio apologise for behaviour on Thailand tour

A Thai flag flies outside Leicester City's King Power stadium

Three Leicester City players who it is claimed appeared in a racist sex tape have apologised for their behaviour.

Footage apparently showing development squad members Tom Hopper, Adam Smith and James Pearson - son of manager Nigel Pearson - was obtained by the Sunday Mirror.

One of the men in the video, which was shot in Thailand, can be heard using a racist insult against a woman.

The club said they would be conducting a formal process of investigation.

A club statement said: "The board of Leicester City is deeply concerned about an incident involving three of our young professionals during a recent trip to Thailand.

"Following a preliminary meeting in consultation with the three players earlier today, the players involved in the incident are now returning to the UK, in advance of the rest of the squad.

James Pearson, son of manager Nigel Pearson, is one of the three men allegedly in the sex tape

"Tom Hopper, James Pearson and Adam Smith would like to convey their sincere apologies for their behaviour - to the women involved in the incident, to the club and its owners, to the club's fans and to their families."

The Premier League team were on tour in Thailand, home of the Foxes' billionaire owners father and son Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.

The club are in a "strategic partnership" with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Amazing Thailand branding appears on the back of player's strips.

Leicester City development squad striker Tom Hopper is also alleged to have taken part in the video

Manager Pearson has campaigned against racism and is a patron of the charity Show Racism the Red Card.

A spokesman for football equality charity Kick It Out said it was aware of the allegations and was awaiting a response from the club before it would comment further.

Of the three men, only Pearson has made a first team appearance in the Foxes' Capital One Cup defeat by Shrewsbury Town.