Hull City winger Sorba Thomas was involved in a road traffic accident that saw his car flip onto its roof while he was on his way to training, the Premier League club has confirmed.
A Land Rover Defender with a personalised number plate linking it to Thomas was pictured upside down with smashed glass on Millhouse Wood Lane in Cottingham, just outside Hull and a short distance from the club's training ground.
A member of Hull City staff, understood to be manager Sergej Jakirovic, was seen in images from the scene. Residents said they were stunned by the crash on the narrow road, where locals say speeds typically only reach 15mph. Thomas is said to have escaped completely unscathed.
Club Statement
A Hull City statement said the club was relieved to confirm that Sorba Thomas was unharmed following the road traffic accident near the club's Cottingham training ground. It added that the club was aware of images of Thomas's car circulating on social media and could reassure supporters that he had sustained no injuries, emerging from his vehicle completely unscathed.
The Land Rover Defender is a favourite among footballers and can be worth up to £160,000.
£10 Million Deadline Day Move
Thomas, 27, has featured twice for the Tigers since joining from Championship club Stoke City for £10 million on deadline day. He is a Welsh international winger.
Hours before the crash, Jakirovic had praised Thomas, saying he had no doubt about his ability to play in the Premier League. The manager said he did not have any doubt about Thomas because he had made a difference in the Championship.
Jakirovic said Thomas was a left winger who could also be used inside as a left-sided number ten, adding that he knew football, was very good in delivery and had a good end product, as well as very good set pieces. The manager said Thomas was sharp and had speed, and was also very responsible in defence, adding that he thought Thomas suited the team a lot and that he hoped, as always, that he could help them.
Premier League Debut
Thomas started Hull's 1-0 Carabao Cup loss to Sunderland on Tuesday night and made an appearance off the bench in the club's 0-0 Premier League draw against Aston Villa, the Europa League champions.
After his cameo against Aston Villa, Thomas shared his delight on Instagram, describing it as a pinch-me moment for him and his family and marking his Premier League debut.
What Comes Next
Hull's next league match comes away at Chelsea tomorrow at 3pm.
The news of the crash comes after the Tigers were handed a £30,000 fine from the FA on Monday for homophobic chanting during their game against Chelsea last season.
