Yaya Toure accepts driving ban and insists he did not knowingly drink alcohol

Yaya Touré has apologised to Manchester City supporters after admitting drink-driving, but insisted he had “not intentionally consumed alcohol”.

The Ivory Coast international said on Tuesday he had admitted the charge at a Monday court hearing after being arrested in Dagenham, east London, on 28 November.

In a statement released on his website Touré said he wanted to explain why, as a Muslim who does not drink, he had not contested the charge. He said: “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.”

City have previously declined to comment on the matter, insisting this is a private matter for the player, who has made five appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season. PA