Renowned footballer caught drunk and deprived of his car rides a scooter without a helmet, fined in Seoul

Englishman Jesse Lingard will have to comply with South Korean laws. MAXPPP – YONHAP

The former England international pleaded ignorance of the rules in force in South Korea.

Former Manchester United player and England international Jesse Lingard was fined €128 for driving an electric scooter in Seoul without a license and helmet, South Korean police said Thursday.

The 31-year-old attacking midfielder, who now plays for FC Seoul, was investigated on Wednesday and fined 190,000 won, a Korea National Police Agency official said.

Caught in the act

In an Instagram post earlier this week, Lingard said he was unaware of South Korea's regulations on electric scooters, including the requirement to wear a helmet. “Anyone visiting South Korea should obviously check the rules,”, he said.

Obviously, I wouldn't do it again

“It can be dangerous. Safety first, you know, for everyone, wearing a helmet. And obviously I won't do it again,” he said.

According to British media reports, Lingard was banned from driving for 18 months last year after being caught drink-driving in his luxury Lamborghini Urus in Manchester. Lingard joined FC Seoul in February after being without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract in the summer of 2023. He has played 32 times for England, scoring six goals.