Here we show you how some famous professional footballers ended up in jail
Professional footballers, like any other public figures, can sometimes find themselves in legal trouble and end up serving time in jail.
There have been several high-profile cases of footballers who have been incarcerated for a variety of crimes, ranging from drug offenses to assault and robbery.
Nile Ranger
One of the most well-known examples is former Liverpool and Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger. He was sentenced to eight months in jail in 2016 for online fraud. Ranger had used a stolen credit card to purchase items worth over £2,000.
Lee Hughes
Another high-profile case is that of former Aston Villa and Newcastle United striker Lee Hughes, who was sentenced to six years in prison in 2004 for causing death by dangerous driving.
Hughes was involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of a 56-year-old man. He served three years in jail before being released on parole.
Tal Ben Haim
Former Portsmouth and Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim has also had a run-in with the law. In 2013, he was sentenced to seven months in jail for refusing to pay a fine for using a mobile phone while driving.
Carlton Cole
There have also been several cases of footballers being jailed for assault and violence. In 2011, former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole was sentenced to six months in jail for assaulting a man in a nightclub.
Stan Collymore
In the same year, former Aston Villa and Celtic striker Stan Collymore was sentenced to 14 weeks in jail for assaulting a woman in a Parisian bar.
Brett Emerton
Drug-related offenses have also landed several footballers in jail. In 2012, former Blackburn Rovers and Wolves striker Brett Emerton was sentenced to eight months in jail for drug trafficking.
Jody Morris
In 2016, former Chelsea and England midfielder Jody Morris was sentenced to 16 months in jail for supplying Class A drugs.
Jail time can have a significant impact on a footballer’s career. Not only does it interrupt their playing career, but it can also lead to a loss of sponsorship deals and damage their reputation.
Many footballers who have served time in jail have found it difficult to find a club willing to sign them once they have been released.
In conclusion, while the majority of professional footballers lead law-abiding lives, there have been several high-profile cases of players who have ended up serving time in jail.
From fraud and assault to drug offenses, the crimes committed by these footballers have resulted in significant consequences for their careers and personal lives.
