Toure says sorry for drink-drive offence
MANCHESTER City star Yaya Toure has apologised to fans after admitting drink-driving, but the Muslim footballer insisted he had “not intentionally consumed alcohol”.
The Ivory Coast international midfielder, 33, who lives in Macclesfield, was fined £54,000 and banned from driving for 18 months after appearing in court on Monday.
The former Barcelona star, who joined Manchester City for £24 million in 2010, said on Tuesday that while he had not contested the charge, he had not deliberately consumed alcohol.
In a statement released on his website he said: “I have always refused alcohol. 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. As I was above the permitted limit when tested on the night, I decided not to challenge the charge.
“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.”
Toure was arrested in Dagenham, east London, on November 28.