A Brighton and Hove Albion ace who was banned for drink-driving got behind the wheel because he did not want to miss a team meeting.
Gonzalo Jara Reyes was on loan with the Seagulls when he was arrested in Brighton for driving while serving a ban.
And as the Chilean international was being questioned by police, his Albion teammates were backing a campaign against drink or drug-driving.
On Friday, January 20 he was given a £3,500 fine and told he could not drive for 12 months after admitting driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
The 26-year-old had been banned for drink-driving in the Midlands in May.
In October he came to Brighton on a 13-match loan from Premier League club West Bromwich Albion.
Brighton Magistrates’ Court was told Jara had arranged to be driven everywhere while he was serving his ban.
He was arrested in an Audi Q7 car in Richmond Terrace, Brighton, on December 17.
Catherine Junor, defending, said: “On that Saturday morning the taxi scheduled for 10.50am to take him to the stadium for a pre-match meeting did not materialise.
“He stupidly decided to drive to the stadium.”
The arrest meant Jara missed Albion’s match against Burnley, which they lost 1-0.
As well as the fine, Judge Nicholls disqualified Jara for 12 months. He told him he would have to reapply for a provisional licence when he had served his ban.
Reyes apologised for his actions to the court, club and his family.
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