Northern Ireland football manager charged on suspicion of drink-driving
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Northern Ireland football manager charged on suspicion of drink-driving

THE NORTHERN Ireland football manager will appear in a Scottish court on suspicion of drinking-driving, it has emerged. 

Michael O'Neill, manager of the Northern Ireland football team, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning September 10 by police in Edinburgh.

In a statement to The Irish Post, Police Scotland said: "Police in Edinburgh arrested and charged a 48-year-old man in connection with drink driving eastbound on the A720 around 12.55am on Sunday September 10.

"He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on October 10 2017."

In a separate statement, the Irish Football Association said: "The Irish Football Association is aware of an alleged drink-driving incident involving Michael O’Neill.

"As it is a police matter, the Association will be making no further comment."

O'Neill started his playing career in his native Northern Ireland with Coleraine, before playing for a number of clubs in England, Scotland and the United States, including Newcastle United, Dundee United, Hibernian, Wigan Athletic and Portland Timbers.

He was capped 31 times at international level by Northern Ireland, with whom he scored four goals.

His first managerial role was with Brechin City, who he managed from 2006 to 2008, at which point he accepted the post at Dublin team Shamrock Rovers.

Having won two League of Ireland titles and the Setanta Cup with Rovers, he took over as Northern Ireland manager in 2012.

Under O'Neill's management Northern Ireland qualified for Euro 2016, their first ever European Championship.