Manchester City midfielder insists he does not drink alcohol despite drunk-driving case

Toure was on Monday, November 28 .

He was fined £54,000 and banned from driving for 18 months when he appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Monday, December 12 according to court officials.

This case was a shock to many as Toure, a Muslim, is a self-acclaimed non-alcoholic drinker.

The midfielder in May 2012 turned forfeited  a large bottle of alcohol to team-mate Joleon Lescott after he was handed to him as Man of the Match in City’s 2-0 win at Newcastle United.

On receiving the champagne, he turned to Lescott and said: “I don't drink because I am a Muslim, so you keep it.”

Despite his drink-driving case, Toure is insisting that he does not drink alcohol although he admitted that he ‘was above the permitted limit’ on that day.

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“Over the last two weeks there has been some confusion as to why I was charged with drink driving, as it is well known that I am a Muslim and do not drink," said Toure.

“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. I would also like to thank my family, the management and staff at Manchester City, my legal team and the fans for the support they have given me during this difficult time.”