Northern Ireland

Darron Gibson suspended after drink-driving charge

Darron Gibson playing for Ireland in 2011
Darron Gibson playing for Ireland in 2011 Darron Gibson playing for Ireland in 2011

DERRY footballer Darron Gibson has been suspended by his club after being charged with drink-driving.

The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst over the legal alcohol limit after an incident in Sunderland on St Patrick's Day.

Northumbria Police said the arrest followed the report of a car colliding with parked vehicles on Dovedale Road in the city just before midday.

Photographs of the player, who is out injured with a groin problem, being spoken to by police at the scene later emerged on social media.

His club, Sunderland AFC, said Gibson had been suspended with immediate effect and it has commenced a full investigation into the matter.

Sunderland AFC’s chief executive, Martin Bain said: "We expect the highest standard of behaviour from our players and should any individual fall short of those standards then robust action must be taken."