Copa America: Arturo Vidal car crash stuns 17 million Chileans

By Matias Grez

Published 1016 GMT (1816 HKT) June 18, 2015

1 of 5

The wreckage of Arturo Vidal's Ferrari after he was involved in a car crash on Tuesday while under the influence of alcohol. AP Images

Vidal played for Juventus in the European Champions League final and he is seen here tackling Lionel Messi. Barca beat Juve 3-1. Laurence Griffiths/afp/getty images

In a press conference shortly after his court hearing, Vidal asked for forgiveness "from all Chileans who have him as a symbol" and promised to "give everything to win the Copa." He said: "I put the lives of my wife and other drivers at risk. I'm really sorry and grateful to everyone for their support." Claudio Reyes/AFP/Getty Images

Vidal is currently the Copa America's top scorer with three goals from his opening two games, including this penalty and a header against Mexico on Monday. Manager Jorge Sampaoli confirmed Vidal will not be suspended because he "committed an error that isn't decisive enough to to exclude him." MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP/Getty Images

All Vidal's goals have come at Chile's Estadio Nacional where the Copa America final will also be held. The decision not to suspend him has divided opinion in Chile and some feel it will be a bittersweet victory should he guide them to the first title in the country's history. MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP/Getty Image