Plymouth goalkeeper Luke McCormick was granted conditional bail in court today over charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol and driving without insurance.
The mother of the two boys killed in the incident, Amanda Peak, 30, was clutching a teddy bear and a framed photograph of her sons Arron, 10, and Ben, eight, as she watched proceedings.
McCormick appeared at Fenton magistrates' court in Stoke-on-Trent and was given conditional bail. He will appear next at Stoke Crown Court on June 16.
The keeper was arrested after his black Range Rover hit a Toyota the boys were travelling in on the M6 in Staffordshire early on Saturday morning as they made their way to the Silverstone racetrack for a day out.
The boys' father, Phil Peak, 37, who was at the wheel of the Toyota, was left seriously injured.
He sustained a suspected broken neck and back in the crash and was treated at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
Three other occupants of the Toyota were treated at the same hospital for minor injuries.
Plymouth issued a statement today confirming they will take no action until the legal process is completed.
"Plymouth Argyle feels it would be inappropriate to make any comment, or take any action, regarding Luke McCormick at this stage," the statement read.
"We intend to make a full and detailed statement when the legal process is complete, but not until.
"However, the club reiterates that it sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Arron and Ben Peak.
"They are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time."
Mrs Peak, 30, paid tribute to her sons yesterday and said the family, from Partington, Manchester, have been "devastated" by the crash.
She added: "No parent should have to go through the nightmare we have gone through."
McCormick, 24, is a former England youth international who was twice voted Argyle's young player of the season.
The Coventry-born Championship player once took part in a police campaign to promote road safety.
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Comment 1 - 2 of 2
What else do you expect the club to say you plum?? They've said what you could expect from any football club! They have no control over what the players do during the pre-season! Do you think it's written into a players contract that he should not drive without iunsurance or even drunk.... of course not! If he is found guilty he will have his contract terminated, what more can the club do? This is a tragic accident and the fact you are spending more time sla**ing off the club and not sympathising with the broken family shows what sort of rag merchant you are!!
Mcormick should be locked away to rot.Cannot believe Plymouths statement "inappropriate to make a comment"Two innocent boys are dead,through a drunken egotistic footballer,with no insurance.For Christs sake WAKE UP.Big of them to say sorry to the poor family,that now lies in tatters.Due to one of their pi---d up players.What legal statement from the club,is going to bring those poor boys back to life.Car,footballer,drunk.crash,none drunk boys dead,drunken footballer alive.What is inappropriate about those facts Mr plymouth football club,SHAMBLES & a DISGRACE,the club should be ashamed of themselves
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