BBC ‘axes’ Trevor Sinclair from Match Of The Day after drink-driving and racism shame
The former footballer has campaigned against racism in sport himself but today admitted to calling a police officer a 'white c***' while he was arrested for drink-driving last year
THE BBC has ditched Trevor Sinclair from upcoming episodes of Match of the Day after the former England star wet himself in a police car before branding a cop a "white c***" as he was arrested for drink-driving.
The 44-year-old today pleaded guilty to being twice the legal limit and racially abusing arresting officer PC Gareth Evans during a confrontation in Blackpool last year.
In response, the BBC confirmed to The Sun Online that Sinclair, who was a freelance broadcaster, would not be appearing as a pundit for them in the coming weeks.
A spokesperson said: "We currently have no scheduled plans to use him on our programmes."
A source also revealed to the Sun Online that the broadcaster was open to the possibility of using him again some time in the future.
It is understood he most recently appeared on the BBC at the start of November.
Sinclair, who is an active member of Show Racism The Red Card, turned pundit after his retirement in 2008, as well as working as part of the FA simulation committee.
The footballer was this morning handed 150 hours community service and banned from driving for 20 months by District Judge Jeff Brailsford - who accepted the star had shown "genuine remorse".
Blackpool Magistrates' Court heard the footballer was "totally appalled by his behaviour, embarrassed and contrite" after his arrest on November 12 last year.
Prosecutor Jim Mowbray told the court police had found Sinclair by his car in the middle of the road in Clifton Drive, Blackpool, after the footballer had been in collision with a woman who had stepped into his path after getting out of a taxi.
PC Gareth Evans said: "I asked Mr Sinclair what had happened. It appeared to me he was drunk, unsteady on his feet and his eyes were glazed."
He said that after a breath test, Sinclair, who played for Manchester City, West Ham and Blackpool and made 12 appearances for England, was found to be double the drink-drive limit.
But PC Evans told the court that Sinclair's behaviour changed after a van was called to the scene.
He said: "Before his arrest he was very calm, polite and courteous.
"He started asking if it was because he was black. Black people are under-represented in the police. He started getting more confrontational, he was getting more aggressive.
"I did not like the direction the conversation was going in - he was accusing me of being racist.
"He began to become more agitated and aggressive."
Sinclair was put into the back of a police van, calling the officer a "white c***" as the doors were closed.
Sinclair continued being racist after he was taken to the cells at Blackpool Police Station.
The footballer also tweeted after the incident, writing: "Racist old bill all over the Sinclair residence again tonight. Thank god as a black man ive not fallen asleep again".
In sentencing today, District Judge Brailsford told Sinclair: "What happened that night was not the real Trevor Sinclair.
"You have worked long and hard to eradicate racism- racism you must have suffered as a player.
"You have also expressed genuine remorse."
IN RESPONSE: Charity against racism speaks out after Trevor Sinclair admits to racially abusing cop
Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of , said: “There is too much racism across society currently, with it being even more regrettable and unacceptable when it is perpetrated by individuals who should know better.
"Trevor Sinclair has accepted personal responsibility for his failings in this regard.
“Trevor has proved to be a popular and successful role model in the past for the next generation of football players and supporters, and will no doubt wish to take the necessary steps to ensure that he never abuses again.
“Kick It Out would offer support and guidance to any individual or organisation which seek reform through training on matters of equality, inclusion and cohesion.”
Celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman told the court that the "catalyst" to Sinclair's behaviour was being approached by a woman while he was out having a meal with his family, with the woman patting him on the head and called him a "little chocolate man".
He added: "This was a bad night for Mr Sinclair. He is appalled at his behaviour and highly embarrassed. He apologises to PC Evans."
Sinclair was also ordered by the court to pay £500 compensation to PC Gareth Evans.
Other charges including failing to provide a sample, criminal damage to a police cell and indecent behaviour at Blackpool Central Police station were dropped with the agreement of Crown Prosecutor Jim Mowbray.
The Football Association said they would not be commenting at this time.
MOST READ IN NEWS
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the property and found a man had already left the property in his car, a Tesla X60d.
"A short time later officers found the driver and vehicle which had been involved in a minor collision with a woman pedestrian on Clifton Drive.
"Mr Sinclair was also arrested on suspicion of assault and a separate criminal damage matter but will face no further action in respect of those matters."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.