Tim Payne has issued a tearful apology after the Wellington Phoenix defender was charged with a drink-driving offence while the team was supposed to be in self-isolation.

Football Federation Australia have launched an investigation after Payne and Phoenix team-mate Oliver Sail were stopped by New South Wales Police while joyriding in a golf cart on Oxford Falls Road at 1:20am on Tuesday.

Both players are expected to cop a hefty fine or suspension.

“I just want to say I am incredibly sorry and incredibly embarrassed for what I’ve done,” Payne told Radio Sport.

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“I take full responsibility for my actions and for what unfolded on that night. I’ve let so many people down including my partner, my family, the club as a whole and individuals such as Uffie [coach Ufuk Talay], who has given me a chance this season.

“I’m incredibly embarrassed and so sorry that I’ve let so many people down.”

Police conducted a roadside breath test, which Payne returned a positive result. He was subsequently taken to Mona Vale Police Station, where he allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of 0.100.

He was charged with a drive middle-range PCA and will appear before a Manly Local Court on June 10. 

According to the Transport for NSW website a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 to less than 0.15 and carries a minimum disqualification of six months and maximum court-imposed fine of $2200 for a first offence.

The FFA said in a statement the matter is being taken very seriously and If any misconduct is found to have occurred, they will take action under the code’s national code of conduct.

“There will be some legal sanctions in Australia, yes. I take full responsibility for that and whatever the club decides and the FFA decides, I’ll take full responsibility,” Payne said.

“It was the last day before we left to come home and myself and Oliver Sail took a golf cart for a ride in the early hours of the evening. Contrary to reports we weren’t arrested and the public did not intervene.”

On the books of Blackburn Rovers as a teenager, Payne has worked hard to resurrect football career in recent seasons following spells with national league sides Auckland City and Eastern Suburbs.

The 26-year-old was invited to trial with the Phoenix in pre-season but has since become a regular at right-back after stepping in to replace the injured Louis Fenton in round five.

The Phoenix confirmed there was an incident involving Payne and Sail which resulted in damage to the Sydney Academy of Sport facility they were staying at while in isolation.

They said they are taking the matter “very seriously” and will make a further statement when their own internal investigation is complete.

“It was definitely a mistake on my behalf. It’s just one of those things you wish you could take back. With anything you do in life, there’s got to be repercussions… I 100 per cent expect there to be repercussions for my actions.”

Payne could avoid attending court in Sydney by lodging his plea from New Zealand.

Sunderland have suspended Darron Gibson with immediate effect after he was charged with drink driving.

The club announced they have launched an investigation into an incident in which the 30-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder was allegedly involved on Saturday.

A club statement said: “Sunderland AFC has suspended Darron Gibson with immediate effect after the player was charged with driving with excess alcohol on Saturday 17 March. The football club has commenced a full investigation into the matter.”

The club’s chief executive, Martin Bain, added: “We expect the highest standard of behaviour from our players and should any individual fall short of those standards, then robust action must be taken.”

Gibson was arrested after several vehicles were damaged close to the club’s Academy of Light training ground shortly before midday on Saturday as his team-mates prepared for their Championship clash with Preston at the Stadium of Light.

Photographs of the player, who is working is currently out injured with a groin problem, being spoken to by police at the scene later emerged on social media.

Gibson arrived on Wearside in January last year from Everton having initially emerged from the ranks at Manchester United. He has been plagued by injury and a lack of form for much of his time at Sunderland, but was enjoying his best spell for the club to date when injury struck.

Chris Coleman’s relegated side is rooted to the foot of the table and five points adrift of safety following Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat.

During pre-season, speaking under the influence of alcohol, was filmed describing the Sunderland team as “fucking shit” and accused a number of players of lacking commitment to the club.