Villa's Grealish apologizes for disobeying COVID-19 lockdown order

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Jack Grealish issued an apology Monday after disobeying orders to remain in lockdown during the coronavirus outbreak in the United Kingdom.

The Aston Villa star says the incident has left him "deeply embarrassed."

"I just got a call from a friend asking me to go to his and I stupidly agreed to do so," Grealish said.

"I don't want anyone to make the same mistake that I did, so obviously, I urge everyone to stay at home and follow the rules and guidelines of what we've been asked to do. I know for a fact that I will be doing that in the near future now."

He added: "I hope everyone can accept my apology and we can move on from this. Hopefully, in the near future, we can be out and enjoying ourselves again once this has all boiled over."

Grealish was also allegedly involved in a car accident Sunday that damaged two parked vehicles. The West Midlands police, without identifying him, have made arrangements to speak with the owner of the Range Rover involved in the accident to learn more about the incident, according to Paul Doyle of the Guardian.

Grealish was reportedly pictured at the scene of the accident and left his personal information with a security guard before leaving on foot.

Villa issued a statement saying they are "deeply disappointed" the 24-year-old ignored the British government's efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected over 22,000 and caused 1,408 deaths in the United Kingdom.

The club added: "The player will be disciplined and fined with the proceeds donated to The University Hospitals Charity in Birmingham."