Firmino banned from road after admitting drink-driving charge

Liverpool and Brazil forward Roberto Firmino has been banned from driving for a year and fined £20,000 after admitting a charge of drink-driving.

Firmino was pulled over by police in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of Christmas Eve and appeared in court on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old expressed his regret over the incident.

"I apologise, without reservation, to the club, the manager, my team-mates and the supporters for putting myself in this situation," he said.

"What I have done is wrong and sets a bad example.

"I promise to everyone in the LFC family, that I will learn from this mistake, learn from this experience, and not repeat it in the future."

The Anfield club confirmed Firmino had faced an internal disciplinary, though no sanctions were made public and he will not miss any games.

A club spokesperson said: "The player has been disciplined by the club for his actions and reminded of his responsibilities for the present and the future.

"The nature of this action will remain private, however it does not impact on his availability for selection in matches.

"The club considers this to be an isolated incident and a rare lapse in judgement and professionalism. We will work with the player to further educate him on the dangers associated with drink-driving specifically."