Manchester City and Argentina right-back Pablo Zabaleta has suggested that Arturo Vidal needs to be a better example to the younger generation following his drink-driving incident on Wednesday.
The Juventus midfielder, who is currently representing Chile in the Copa America in their homeland, was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed his Ferrari on the motorway in Santiago with his wife as a passenger.
Both he and his partner Maria Teresa Matus escaped serious injury, but as a result of Vidal's drinking, the 28-year-old had his driving licence revoked.
After the ruling, Vidal, who was found to have 1.2g of alcohol per litre of blood in his system, gave a tearful apology.
When asked about the incident during a press conference, Zabaleta said: "I want to be cautious. The player came out and said sorry, but it is a disciplinary act and he was in the wrong. He himself has recognised that.
"We are public figures and we should be an example to the youngsters. In such an important event like this one, which is being played in your country, you need to be more disciplined. But like I said, the player has come out and said sorry and I cannot add much more than that."
Vidal, who was returning from a casino on the night of the crash, could have been punished with a prison term of between 12 months and 10 years.
Danielle Joynson
