The Guardian’s former chief football correspondent Kevin McCarra has been found safe after going missing in Avignon, France, his wife has confirmed.

McCarra, who has also written several books about the Scotland national team and Celtic and was in France to watch games at Euro 2016, was seen coming out of the Hotel Mignon, 12 Rue Joseph Vernet, Avignon, on Thursday 16 June at 6.40pm. He was pictured on local CCTV at 7.06pm.

His wife, Susan Stewart, issued pleas on Twitter for any information regarding his whereabouts, stating that they had originally planned to take in the Iceland match against Hungary at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on Saturday evening. His brother-in-law Hugh Stewart has also set up a Facebook page in an attempt to find out information.

However, Susan confirmed to the Guardian on Friday night that McCarra had been recognised by some English supporters and put in touch with local police.

McCarra, who left the Guardian in 2013, has also worked for Scotland on Sunday, The Times and Sunday Times.