Yaya Toure insists he’s ‘always refused alcohol’ due to Muslim beliefs – as he is fined £54,000 and banned for 18 months for drink-driving after having a jug of brandy and Diet Coke
Manchester City midfielder was pulled over in East London last month after playing in his side's 2-1 win over Burnley but claims he is teetotal because he is a devout Muslim
YAYA TOURE has been fined £54,000 and given an 18-month road ban for drink driving – but insists he does not drink alcohol.
The Manchester City midfielder was pulled over in Dagenham in East London last month and was charged by police with driving under the influence.
The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to drink driving at Barkingside magistrates court on Monday.
Toure said on his Facebook page: “Over the last two weeks there has been some confusion as to why I was charged with drink driving, as it is well known that I am a Muslim and do not drink.
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“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.
“The matter has now been resolved in court on Monday. As I was above the permitted limit when tested on the night, I decided not to challenge the charge.”
Toure played the full 90 minutes during City’s 2-1 win at Burnley on November 26 – and the charge came two days later when he was pulled over in East London.
The Ivorian has been Manchester City’s star midfielder since he moved from Barcelona in 2010, winning the Premier League title with the club twice.
But he fell afoul of City boss Pep Guardiola this season, not for his own actions but for those of his agent Dimitri Seluk, which has left Toure kicking his heels.
He added: “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.
“I would also like to thank my family, the management and staff at Manchester City, my legal team and the fans for the support they have given me during this difficult time.”
Toure told the court he had accidentally drank a jug of Diet Coke which had brandy in it.
