Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been fined £20,000 and banned from driving for a year after admitting drink-driving at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Firmino was pulled over by police while driving his Range Rover in Liverpool city centre on Christmas Eve last year.
The 25-year-old was breathalysed and later charged with drink-driving.
Michael Hogan, defending the 25-year-old, said the incident happened the day after the footballer’s family home was targeted by burglars who were “prepared to use extreme force.”
Firmino said in a statement: “I apologise, without reservation, to the club, the manager, my teammates and the supporters for putting myself in this situation.
“What I have done is wrong and sets a bad example. I promise to everyone in the LFC family that I will learn from this mistake, learn from this experience, and not repeat it in the future.”
A Liverpool spokesperson said: “The player has been disciplined by the club for his actions and reminded of his responsibilities for the present and future.
“The nature of this action will remain private; however it does not impact on his availability for selection for matches.
“The club considers this to be an isolated incident and a rare lapse in judgement and professionalism. We will however work with the player to further educate him on the dangers associated with drink driving specifically.”
