BRAWLING BENDTNER JAILED FOR

FORMER Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner was sentenced to 50 days in jail yesterday for breaking a taxi driver’s jaw after refusing to pay the £5 fare.

The 30-year-old, who now plays for Norwegian side Rosenborg, was partying with his girlfriend before hailing a cab just after 2am on September 9.

Having argued with the cabbie over his route, Bendtner and his model partner left the car and were pursued by the driver.

Bendtner then punched the man in the jaw before kicking him as he lay on the ground.

The Denmark frontman, who was also ordered to pay £176 in compensation, argued he acted in self-defence and was released on appeal.

The driver was acquitted of violence, but fined £353 for using his phone while driving and not wearing his seatbelt.

Bendtner, who will not be sacked by Rosenborg, issued a grovelling public apology three days after the incident in which he said: “I have never been a fighter, but I protect those I love on and off the pitch.”