Brighton & Hove Albion footballer Kaoru Mitoma is under investigation by Tokyo police after colliding with a cyclist, who was subsequently hospitalized with minor injuries. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in Tokyo when Mitoma's car reportedly struck the woman, who is in her forties.
According to Japanese outlet NHK, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident. Reports indicate that Mitoma entered an intersection after running a red light, mistakenly driving when the pedestrian signal indicated it was safe for pedestrians to cross.
Mitoma remained at the scene to check on the injured cyclist and followed police instructions upon their arrival. He was not injured in the collision.
Mitoma's management company issued a statement apologizing for the incident. "We sincerely apologize 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." The statement added that the injured party was diagnosed with bruises and that Mitoma "will fully cooperate with the investigation by the relevant authorities."
The management company also stated, "We will also strive to thoroughly instill safe driving awareness and strengthen compliance education to prevent recurrence. Once again, we offer our deepest apologies to the victim, their family, and all those involved."
Mitoma joined Brighton in 2021 from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale. He has played 135 times for the club, scoring 27 goals, and has earned 31 caps for the Japanese national team. He missed the recent World Cup due to injury.