Derby County have condemned an "alcohol-related incident" which has led to former Carlisle United defender Richard Keogh being ruled out until the end of the season because of a serious knee injury.

The Rams have revealed Keogh, who played for Carlisle from 2008 to 2010 after an earlier loan spell with the club, was among those who continued drinking after a team-building dinner with staff on Tuesday evening.

Later that night, former Carlisle loanee Tom Lawrence and team-mate Mason Bennett were charged with drink-driving after a collision on the A6 in Derby which occurred shortly before midnight.

According to The Telegraph, Keogh was in the back seat of Lawrence’s car which struck a lamppost, leaving 33-year-old Keogh with injuries as a result of the incident.

A statement from Derby today said they could not "condone the actions" of the players involved.

"As a club, we cannot, and do not, condone the actions of a small group of players on Tuesday evening," the statement read.

"The players were out as part of a scheduled team-building dinner with staff and while the majority of them acted responsibly and left at around 8pm and were not involved, a small group, including the team captain Richard Keogh, continued drinking into the night.

"They should have known when to stop and also ignored the opportunity to be driven home using cars laid on by the club, and chose to stay out.

"As a result of an alcohol-related incident, Richard Keogh has sustained a serious knee injury that will prevent him from playing until the end of the season."

The statement added: "The players involved in the incident on Tuesday evening will be subject to a rigorous internal investigation under the club’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures, but over and above any punishment they receive, we will be expecting them to become involved with the excellent work the Community Trust does helping the communities we serve.

"We have been very clear about our attitude towards alcohol and the players know that, at certain and specific times of the season, they are permitted a drink together as a group in a controlled environment.

"Those involved in Tuesday’s incident know they will pay a heavy price for their actions, but also that we will support them with their rehabilitation back into the squad and team.

"We fully support the work of our partners at Drinkaware and the unsanctioned actions of this small group of players is totally at odds the stance that both Drinkaware and Derby County Football Club take regards alcohol. We will be using this situation to redouble our efforts in highlighting the dangers posed by alcohol.

"We would also like to thank the emergency services for their swift help."

Lawrence's loan spell at Brunton Park came during their 2013/14 season.

Bennett, 23, and 25-year-old Lawrence are due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on October 15.