Celtic defender Alexandro Bernabei fined for drink driving

Celtic defender Alexandro Bernabei was fined £1,875 after pleading guilty to drink driving.

The 22-year-old left-back was more than twice over the limit in Glasgow city centre on August 15, 2022.

Bernabei, of the city's Kelvinside, was seen driving a friend's Mercedes A 200 on Bath Street around 2am.

The Argentinian was later found to have 48 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath when the limit is 22 micrograms.

Bernabei appeared in the dock at Glasgow Sheriff Court where he admitted the drink driving charge.

A not guilty was accepted by the Crown for a separate charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner a Lola’s nightclub also on Bath Street.

That charge alleged that while acting in an aggressive manner, Bernabei "shouted and repeatedly refused to leave the premises despite being requested to do so."

The court heard that a door steward saw Bernabei in the driver's seat of the car in the early hours of the morning.

Prosecutor Gail Campbell stated that the incident was captured on CCTV which was not played to the court.

She said: "He drove the car forward and it would appear to be a short distance around the corner before reversing back.

"He was seen to stop in front of the witness and he subsequently exited the vehicle."

The police were then contacted for "a matter that is no longer before the court."

Officers spoke to Bernabei who believed that he was under the influence of alcohol.

He provided a roadside sample before he was arrested and ordered to give further specimens of breath.

Bernabei provided the 48 micrograms reading on a second specimen.

Calum Ross, defending, told the court that the incident was out of character.

The lawyer added: "He recognises that he let himself down as he had only been in the country for six weeks.

"Mr Bernabei was in the company of a fellow countryman and he foolishly agreed to his suggestion to go to these premises. The vehicle belonged to the other man.

"He was a young man from a different continent and he feels as if he has blotted his copybook when his intention was to do everything right.

"Mr Bernabei normally behaves in a model and professional way.

"His financial circumstances state with his employment he earns approximately £20,000 per month."

Sheriff Michael Hanlon also disqualified Bernabei from driving for 12 months.

This may be reduced by three months if Bernabei takes part in a drink driving rehabilitation course.

Bernabei was on the bench yesterday (Sun) as Celtic beat Aberdeen 3-1 at Pittodrie.

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