Phoenix player Tim Payne apologises for drunken joyride while in quarantine lockdown

Wellington Phoenix star Tim Payne has fessed up to breaking the team’s 14-day coronavirus quarantine to go on a drunken night-time joyride in a golf cart in Sydney.

Wellington Phoenix star Tim Payne was charged with drink driving after he allegedly escaped coronavirus lockdown and drove a golf buggy shirtless along a busy Sydney road. Picture: Getty Images

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UPDATE: Wellington player Tim Payne has issued a tearful apology for a joyriding incident during the team’s A-League quarantine period in Sydney which will have legal ramifications.

Football Federation Australia and Phoenix management are investigating the alcohol-related incident, as exclusively revealed by the Daily Telegraph, in which Payne and teammate Oliver Sail drove a golf buggy beyond the team’s remote Sydney facility, where they were undergoing 14 days of self-isolation.

All Whites international defender Payne admitted he and Sail broke the team’s strict conditions when they left the facility - believed to be the Sydney Academy of Sport near Narrabeen - in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

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Wellington Phoenix star Tim Payne was charged with drink driving after he allegedly escaped coronavirus lockdown and drove a golf cart shirtless along a busy Sydney road. Picture: Getty Images

Payne confirmed he would be facing legal sanctions, but refuted claims members of the public had been involved in any way.

An emotional Payne told Radio Sport he had apologised to the club and teammates for his actions and was remorseful.

“I just want to say that I’m incredibly sorry and incredibly embarrassed, what I’ve done,” Payne said.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and for what unfolded on that night. I’ve let so many people down, including my partner, my family, the club as a whole, individuals such as Uffie (coach Ufuk Talay), who has given me the chance this season.” Payne confirmed he and several members of the squad had been drinking at the facility.

He had spoken to club management and expected to face internal sanctions. “I did something I’m not proud of and I 100 per cent expect there to be repercussions for those actions.

“It’s one of those things you wish you could take back but I’m fully ready to stand up and face them head on.”

Phoenix goalkeeper Oliver Sail after arriving in Sydney ahead of going into quarantine with the team. Picture: Getty Images

Wellington was based at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen, while in self isolation to play A-League games.

The competition has been now suspended because of the coronavirus, with Phoenix players returning home to New Zealand on Tuesday.

Passengers who contacted The Daily Telegraph claimed the players were shirtless with Paine driving.

Phoenix officials are furious the two players broke quarantine at such a sensitive time surrounding coronavirus. The team was in a two-week lock down so the A-League competition could continue.

Sail, the 24-year-old Phoenix goalkeeper, is also New Zealand national representative.

Academy management was considering further action against the pair for borrowing the golf cart.

Tim Payne has landed himself in hot water. Picture: Getty

Payne, 26, a Phoenix midfielder, could avoid attending court in Sydney by lodging his plea from New Zealand in absence.

Police eventually dropped the pair back to the Academy accommodation. There was no damage to the golf cart.

Phoenix officials are expected to take serious action against the two players pending their investigations, while FFA will also investigate the incident.

Insiders claim the pair could face a heavy fine or suspension when the A –League competition resumes.

The Sydney Academy of Sport offers visiting teams training facilities including three playing fields, physio, indoor swimming pool, conference rooms, gymnasium and accommodation.

It is the same training venue used by the Manly Sea Eagles NRL club.

Wellington is running third on A-League competition ladder behind Sydney FC and Melbourne City FC.

The A-League was formally suspended on Tuesday. The Phoenix has won 11 of their 20 games this season.

Originally published as Phoenix player Tim Payne apologises for drunken joyride while in quarantine lockdown