by Our Sports Desk

ANTI-RACISM organisation Kick It Out contacted Leicester yesterday over allegations concerning striker Jamie Vardy.

The Sun on Sunday published a video allegedly showing Vardy abusing a fellow gambler in a casino and calling him “Jap” on three occasions.

The incident is reported to have taken place in the early hours of July 26.

Before Leicester could release a statement, Kick It Out confirmed tha they had already opened dialogue with the club.

Kick It Out director Roisin Wood said: “It is disappointing that the opening weekend of the season, which should be a time of celebration, has been overshadowed by these allegations.

“Footballers, no matter the level they play at, are role models on and off the field and their behaviour can impact millions of fans across the country.

“If these allegations are proven, we would consider it to be a serious matter and would expect the club to conduct a swift and thorough investigation. We have contacted the club and await their response.”

Vardy opened the scoring for Leicester in their 4-2 opening-day victory over Sunderland.

Leicester are owned by the Thai Srivaddhanaprabha family and it is only a matter weeks since the Foxes dismissed Tom Hopper, Adam Smith and James Pearson, son of former manager Nigel, for their conduct on a close season tour of the country.

The trio had featured in a sexually explicit video during which racist language was used and had their contracts terminated following an internal investigation.

Former Foxes boss Pearson was then sacked by the club after the relationship between him and the owners collapsed, wih the dismissal of his son thought to be a key factor in him leaving.

Vardy released a statement through the club, saying: “I wholeheartedly apologise for any offence I’ve caused.

“It was a regrettable error in judgement I take full responsibility for and I accept my behaviour was not up to what’s expected of me.”

Leicester responded with their own statement and “will begin a process of investigation into the incident imminently.”