Dele Alli Issues Public Apology After Posting Ill-Advised Coronavirus Video

Tottenham and England midfielder Dele Alli has issued a public apology after releasing a video on social media that appeared to mock an Asian man and make jokes relating to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The 23-year-old, currently enjoying the Premier League's first ever designated winter break, released a short video of himself wearing a face mask in an airport departure lounge, in which he said: "This virus gunna have to be quicker than that to catch me" after panning the camera towards an Asian man.

In the background, a group of what appears to be Chinese accents can be heard before Alli makes his ill-advised comments. 

​Tottenham have, thus far, failed to publicly comment, but the England midfielder has now taken matters into his own hands - posting a video apology on Chinese social media platform Weibo, acknowledging that he had let himself down, as well as the club.

​"I'd like to apologise for the video I posted on Snapchat yesterday," ​Alli said, via ​Sky Sports.

"It wasn't funny. I realised that immediately and took it down. I let myself down and the club. I don't want you guys to have that impression of me. It isn't something that should be joked about. Sending all my love and thoughts and prayers for everyone in China."

So far, the Coronavirus has claimed over 800 lives, with the deadly virus now spreading across the world after originating in China. At the time of writing, almost 300 cases have been reported in 24 countries, but that figure is expected to rise over the coming days and weeks.

Precautionary measures, such as quarantining of those who have been in affected areas and banning flights to and from China, have been implemented for well over a week, but so far there appears to be no control over minimising the spread of infection.

The beginning of the Chinese Super League season ​has already been postponed, while new Manchester United loan signing Odion Ighalo - who has been playing for Shanghai Shenhua - has only just arrived in the country after initially being refused entry back into the UK.

Source : 90min