Teetotaller Toure doesn’t explain drink-driving conviction
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure admitted yesterday to being over the legal limit following a drink-driving conviction but had no explanation for the reading after saying he does not consume alcohol because of his Muslim religious beliefs.
Toure was arrested in London on Nov 28 and was given an 18-month ban and an income-related fine of £54,000 (S$97,000) at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Monday.
The 33-year-old Ivorian issued a statement on his personal website, saying he had not intentionally drunk alcohol but shed no light on how he gave an illegal reading.
"I have always refused alcohol" Toure said, adding that he decided not to challenge the charge because he was above the allowed limit.
RELIGIOUS REASONS
"Anyone who knows me or follows football will have seen me refuse champagne for Man-of-the-Match performances because of my commitment to my religion.
"However, it was important to me that I told the court that I had not intentionally consumed alcohol.
"The judge in his sentencing remarks accepted that I had not been intentionally drinking.
"Drink-driving is a serious crime and even though I was not intentionally consuming alcohol, I accept the ban and fine and I would like to apologise for this situation." - REUTERS
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