Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma is reportedly facing a police investigation after a woman was hospitalised after being knocked off her bike in Japan.
Mitoma’s car was reported to have struck the woman on Wednesday morning in Tokyo.
The woman, who is in her forties, sustained minor injuries following the incident.
Japanese outlet NHK reported that the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the incident.
The report claims Mitoma had entered an intersection after going through a red light, with the Japanese footballer having mistakenly driven when the pedestrian green light had shown.
Mitoma was reported to have checked on the woman’s condition and had followed the instructions of the police upon their arrival.
Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma is facing an investigation after knocking a woman off her bike with his car
Mitoma’s management company has issued a statement to apologise for the incident
His management company has since issued a statement to apologise for the incident.
‘We sincerely apologise 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 injured party has been examined at a medical institution and diagnosed with bruises, and Mr. Mitoma was not injured.
‘We will inform you again if any further information becomes available.
‘We take this matter very seriously and will fully cooperate with the investigation by the relevant authorities.
‘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 has played 135 times for Brighton since joining from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale back in 2021, with the winger scoring 27 times.
The winger, who has also had a spell on loan at Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, has also earned 31 caps for the Japanese national team.
Mitoma missed out on representing Japan at this summer’s World Cup due to injury.
