ANGERS star Farid El Melali has issued a grovelling apology after allegedly being caught masturbating outside a neighbour’s flat.
The 22-year-old Algerian was nicked by police on Monday evening after reportedly pleasuring himself in the courtyard of his building while looking into a woman’s flat through her window.
Farid El Melali has issued an apology after allegedly being caught masturbating outside a neighbour’s flatCredit: AFP
El Melali’s arrest came just hours after he signed a new contract with Angers until 2023.
And the midfielder has since been charged with indecent exposure, with ESPN reporting it’s the second time he’s been taken into custody for a similar offence.
A spokesman for the prosecutor said: “El Melali, who lives with someone, owned up to committing the deeds while he was in custody. He then returned to his home.”
El Melali now faces a maximum of 12 months behind bars and a £13,000 fine.
His lawyer said: “He wasn’t targeting anyone, and wasn’t aggressive towards anyone.”
El Melali has now issued a public apology on social media, saying: “These last few days have been very hard, mentally and physically.
“Coping with criticism and judgement is tough. I understand that those who received the information cannot tolerate such behaviour.
“I want to apologise to my family, my friends and the fans of my dear club Angers, as well as my fellow Algerians.
“Everything that happened has affected me, but it has also made me stronger and more aware of the values and principles that I must uphold.
“Thank you to everybody who has stuck with me during this rough time.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
