Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi is currently being hunted in connection with a roadside altercation with a cyclist.
The incident has led to a twitter campaign backed by Sir Chris Hoy to identify the player, who is alleged to have laughed at the cyclist and told him ‘good luck finding me on foreign plates’ before driving off from the accident in his car last week.
It is understood that the midfielder, who joined Stoke from Blackburn for £3million last season, has been advised by his legal team not to speak out in case it becomes a police matter.
Olympic Legend Chris Hoy retweeted a picture of the car and urged the public to help detectives find the perpetrator. Greater Manchester Police said on Thursday they were still trying to track down the footballer but refused to reveal the identity of the player, although he has been identified online.
The victim, Rob Lockhart, claims the player’s matt-black Audi Q7 made a sudden stop and bruised his face and damaged his bike after smashing into the back.
Mr Lockhart said: ‘He pulled away and then pulled over sharply to park on double yellow lines outside a cash point. It was dangerous.
‘I hit the back window with my head, helmet and face. I had mild concussion for two to three days afterwards.
He got out of his car and said, “Sorry, I didn’t see you”. Then he just walked to the cashpoint. I didn’t feel he had any regard for me and what had just happened. He didn’t seem to care.
‘I was in shock, checking myself, the bike and the car to see what was damaged. When he walked back to his car I said we need to exchange insurance details and he said “No”. He said, “You’re on a bike and I’m in a car, it doesn’t matter”. He was really laid back, not angry. He didn’t even check if his car was damaged.
‘I tried to get my phone out to take a picture and he laughed and said, “You won’t trace me because my plates are foreign”. He then left the scene.
‘I called the police when I got home. I don’t know who he was, he had a foreign accent. I don’t follow football. I just want all this sorted out.’
Stoke have refused to comment about Nzonzi’s involvement in the alleged incident.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘The driver failed to stop at the scene and we are making efforts to trace and speak to him.
‘Witnessed have also helped us and we are pursuing these leads. Any information we receive that may help will be acted upon.’