Cheick Tiote sorry for champagne driving video

London: Newcastle United`s Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote issued an apology on Saturday after video footage emerged showing him driving a car while holding an uncorked bottle of champagne.

An image of the incident, which is believed to have occurred in the Ivory Coast, was published by a British newspaper and showed him turning to face someone on the back seat while clutching the bottle in his right hand.

"I deeply regret my actions and I am sorry for any offence caused," Tiote said in a statement released by Newcastle.

"I realise that as a professional footballer, I have a responsibility to many people, including the club and its supporters, and it is important for me to set a good example to others with my behaviour on and off the pitch."

Newcastle said in a statement: "Newcastle United have been made aware of a video of Cheick Tiote driving whilst holding a bottle of alcohol, which is understood to have been filmed in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

"Clearly his actions were not appropriate. The club have spoken privately with Cheick today and reminded him of his significant responsibilities as a representative of Newcastle United and a role model."