Chelsea

By Max Wise

Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been banned from driving for 20 months after crashing his Range Rover into a wall under the influence of alcohol last month.

Drinkwater, who is yet to play for Chelsea this season, was twice above the drink-drive limit when he ploughed his £125,000 vehicle into a wall with two female passengers by his side.

All three occupants of the vehicle were treated for minor injuries by emergency medical service on the scene and discharged, with Drinkwater admitting to police officers that he was drunk.

In addition to his ban, the former Leicester City midfielder, who earns £100,000 a week at Chelsea, has been ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and £85 victim surcharge as well as being ordered to do 70 hours’ community service without pay.

Drinkwater appeared remorseful after the judgment and accepted the repercussions of his action in good faith.

He said: 'On the early morning of Monday, April 8, 2019, I made an error in judgement and a huge mistake in deciding to drive whilst over the legal limit.

'I can't apologise enough for my actions and have learnt a valuable lesson.

'I feel today I have been treated very fairly and will accept the consequences of my actions.

'I am keen to do the community service ordered and give something back.'

A member of Leicester City’s title-winning side in the 2015/2016 season, Drinkwater joined Chelsea at the start of last season for £35m but made just 22 appearances in all competitions due to a number of fitness issues.

The irony of his name and the nature of the incident has led to Drinkwater being mocked by fans and fellow footballers on social media including former Chelsea teammate Cesc Fabregas.

Replying to a story about Drinkwater’s arrest in April, Fabregas simply tweeted: “Danny Drinkwhat?”