Derby County captain Richard Keogh has been ruled out until the end of the season after sustaining a severe knee injury”as a consequence of an alcohol-related incident”, the club has supported.
The incident happened on Tuesday night, on what Derby described in a declaration as a”scheduled team-building dinner with staff”.
The club has promised to maintain a”rigorous internal investigation” into the activities of a number of their players, while also promising to”support them with their rehabilitation back in the squad and team”.
“As a club, we cannot, and do not, condone the actions of a small group of players on Tuesday evening,” read the official announcement.
“The players were out as part of a scheduled team-building supper with team and while the vast majority of them acted responsibly and left around 8pm and weren’t involved, a little group, including the club captain Richard Keogh, lasted drinking into the night.
“They should have known when to cease and also ignored the chance to be pushed home using automobiles laid on from the bar, and chose to remain out.
“As a consequence of an alcohol-related incident, Richard Keogh has endured a serious knee injury that may stop him from playing before the close of the season.
“The players involved in the incident on Tuesday evening will be subject to a strict internal investigation below the club’s code of conduct and disciplinary processes, but over and over any punishment that they get we will be expecting them to become involved with all the fantastic work the Community Trust will helping the communities we serve.
“We have been very clear about our attitude towards alcohol and the players know that at certain and particular instances of the year they’re permitted a drink together as a team in a controlled environment.
“Individuals involved in Tuesday’s episode know they’ll pay a hefty price for their activities, but also that we’ll support them along with their rehabilitation back into the squad and team.
“We fully support the work of our partners at Drinkaware and the unsanctioned actions of this small group of players is totally at odds the posture both Drinkaware and Derby County Football Club take regards alcohol.
“We will be using this scenario to redouble our efforts in highlighting the risks posed by alcohol.
“We would also like to thank the emergency services for their speedy help.”

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