England and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is facing disciplinary action, after reportedly breaking lockdown rules by hosting a party involving two sex workers.
UK tabloids claim Walker and a friend invited the two girls to his apartment for a "three-hour sex session" one day, before his Instagram post about COVID-19 safety measures.
Manchester City is investigating the incident, saying that Walker's actions "directly contravened" his responsibility as a role model.
The 29-year-old has apologised for his actions and urges people to "stay home, stay safe" during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I want to take this opportunity to issue a public apology for the choices I made last week, which have resulted in a story [on Sunday] about my private life in a tabloid newspaper," Walker's statement read.
"I understand that my position as a professional footballer brings the responsibility of being a role model. As such, I want to apologise to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down.
"There are heroes out there making a vital difference to society at the moment, and I have been keen to help support and highlight their amazing sacrifices and life-saving work over the past week.
"My actions in this matter are in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lockdown and I want to reiterate the message: Stay home, stay safe."
One of the girls told The Sun that Walker is a "hypocrite" for what he did.
"Kyle really should know better," she said. "On the one hand, he's inviting strangers round to his house for sex and the next day, he's lecturing everyone on the need to stay safe."
Meanwhile, a City spokesman said: "Manchester City FC are aware of a story in a tabloid newspaper, regarding the private life of Kyle Walker in relation to a breach of the UK lockdown and social distancing rules.
"Footballers are global role models, and our staff and players have been working to support the incredible efforts of the NHS and other key workers in fighting the effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus in any way we can.
"Kyle's actions in this matter have directly contravened these efforts.
"We are disappointed to hear the allegations, note Kyle's swift statement and apology, and will be conducting an internal disciplinary procedure in the coming days."
Walker is the second high-profile Premier League player to express his regret for breaking the UK government guidelines on social distancing, with Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish apologising, after being pictured at the scene of a car accident, hours after he posted a video urging fans to stay safe at home on social media.
Grealish was fined and disciplined by his club, with the proceeds donated to the University Hospitals Charity in Birmingham.
