Mahlon Romeo: Cardiff City footballer apologises for allegedly homophobic remarks

28 June 2024, 15:35 | Updated: 28 June 2024, 18:40

A Cardiff City footballer has apologised for making allegedly homophobic remarks to a police officer.

Mahlon Romeo pleaded guilty last month to using "threatening, abusive or insulting" words or behaviour.

The 28-year-old was fined £3,317 and ordered to pay £100 to the victim.

At a previous hearing, on 1 March this year, Romeo was fined £4,423 for driving a car when above the alcohol limit.

WalesOnline first reported the comments made to the police officer were of a homophobic nature.

On Friday, Romeo issued a statement in which he apologised to Cardiff City and its supporters for his actions.

He accepted they had "caused hurt and distress".

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

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

"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 re-iterate my apologies to anybody who has been offended by the comments that I made."

(c) Sky News 2024: Mahlon Romeo: Cardiff City footballer apologises for allegedly homophobic remarks