Cheick Tiote misheard when Alan Pardew asked for more champagne football from his players.
The Newcastle midfielder was caught acting the bold boy when footage of him holding an open bottle of bubbly was published in The Sun newspaper.
EXCLUSIVE: Toon star Tioté raises a bottle of champagne — while speeding along in his 4×4… http://t.co/mOgH6NnMlk pic.twitter.com/jg5cbgFl6d
— The Sun (@TheSunNewspaper) December 6, 2014
The incident is believed to have been filmed while the 28-year-old was in his native Ivory Coast but the midfield powerhouse has since apologised for his actions. He said: “I deeply regret my actions and I am sorry for any offence caused.
“I realise that as a professional footballer I have a responsibility to many people, including the club and its supporters and it is important for me to set a good example to others with my behaviour on and off the pitch.”
Cheick Tiote will not be reprimanded by the Magpies and he is set to start for Newcastle when they take on table-topping Chelsea this lunchtime.
#NUFC v @chelseafc (4-3-3): Elliot; Janmaat, Coloccini (c), S.Taylor, Dummett; Sissoko, Tiote, Colback; Ameobi, Perez, Cabella.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 6, 2014
A statement from the club this morning read: “Newcastle United have been made aware of a video of Cheick Tiote driving whilst holding a bottle of alcohol, which is understood to have been filmed in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
:Clearly his actions were not appropriate. The club have spoken privately with Cheick today and reminded him of his significant responsibilities as a representative of Newcastle United and a role model.”
