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Yaya Toure Apologises For Drink Driving But Denies "Intentionally Consuming Alcohol"

Yaya Toure Apologises For Drink Driving But Denies "Intentionally Consuming Alcohol"

The Ivorian has been handed a ban.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Yaya Toure has been given a ban for drink driving - but continues to deny that he 'intentionally' consumed alcohol.

The Manchester City midfielder was arrested last month and found to be over the limit. He was this week given an 18-month driving ban.

It came as a surprise to many to see Toure punished for the offence considering he's Muslim and it was well known that he didn't drink.

But the arrest and subsequent ban have cast doubt over that - until Toure released a statement insisting he didn't intentionally drink and drive.

According to the Ivory Coast midfielder, he has "always refused alcohol" - even champagne for Man of the Match performances in the past.
Toure, via a post on his official Facebook page, said:

"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.

"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. 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."

Reports have suggested that Toure was drinking without Brandy without realising.


Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure

Toure has only recently returned to playing for City after making a difficult start to life under Pep Guardiola this season.

The midfield man and his agent were unhappy with the Spanish manager and publicly criticised him, leading to Toure's omission from the first team squad for the start of the campaign.

But Toure has since apologised and returned to the squad, playing four games throughout November, including a two-goal performance against Crystal Palace.

This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com - simple, shareable sport. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

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