Antiguan footballer apologises for homophobic comments made to police officer

CARDIFF, Wales (CMC):

Antigua & Barbuda international Mahlon Romeo has apologised for homophobic comments towards a police officer after he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving earlier this year.

The 28-year-old defender, who plays for Cardiff City in the English League Championship, issued the apology through a statement on the website of the Bluebirds, as Cardiff is known.

Romeo said he deeply regretted his actions on the night of February 8 this year and insisted his comments towards the officer did not reflect his personality or beliefs.

"I would like to sincerely apologise to the club and its supporters... which have caused hurt and distress," the statement read.

"Those who know me closely know that I do not hold any prejudice against anyone based on their sexual orientation or sexuality.

"In the past, I have worked hard to fight against discrimination and prejudice, and so my actions that evening are of great personal disappointment."

He added: "At the time of the event, I wrote a letter to the police officer involved, unreservedly apologising for my comments and explaining that they do not reflect my personality, beliefs or historic behaviour.

"I deeply regret the course of events that occurred that night, and I would like to reiterate my apologies to anybody who has been offended by the comments that I made."

Romeo, the son of fitness expert Efua Baker and music producer and musician Jazzie B, best known as the frontman of the R&B group, Soul II Soul, and sister of actress Jessye Romeo, pleaded guilty to drunk driving and abusing a police officer when he appeared in the Cardiff magistrates court last month.

The footballer was fined 3,317 pounds for the public order offence, 4,423 pounds for drunk driving, and banned from driving for 14 months.

Romeo has made 10 appearances for Antigua & Barbuda, most recently the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League.