Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma faces police probe after Tokyo car crash
Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma is facing a police investigation for possible dangerous driving after his car collided with a cyclist in Tokyo on Wednesday morning.
The 29-year-old reportedly drove through a red light at an intersection after mistaking a pedestrian signal for a green traffic light.
A woman in her 40s was knocked off her bicycle and has since been admitted to hospital to undergo further medical examinations.
Police probe underway
Japanese broadcaster NHK confirmed that the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has launched an official investigation into the incident.
The player himself escaped unhurt, having remained at the scene to check on the injured party and follow law enforcement instructions.
A statement released by the winger’s management company confirmed that the victim had been diagnosed with bruising.
“We sincerely apologise for the great inconvenience and worry caused to the injured party and all those involved in the accident,” the statement read.
“Mr. Mitoma himself takes this accident very seriously and is responding with feelings of sympathy and apology to the injured party.”
“We take this matter very seriously and will fully cooperate with the investigation by the relevant authorities.”
World Cup absence
The former Kawasaki Frontale attacker was already sidelined from international duty this summer after struggling with fitness issues.
His recent injury problems meant he missed out on a place in Japan’s squad for the World Cup.
Without their talisman, the Samurai Blue were ultimately eliminated by Brazil in the tournament’s round of 32.
Seagulls active in transfer market
Focus for the lightning-fast winger will soon turn back to domestic matters ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The south coast club secured an eighth-place finish last term, earning a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs.
Manager Fabian Hurzeler recently signed a new contract at the AMEX Stadium and has already overseen major summer recruitment.
Brighton have secured big-money deals for Zadok Yohanna and Pascal Struijk, while Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke has departed for Tottenham Hotspur.