Jesse Lingard has received a fine from South Korean police for riding an electric scooter without a licence.
The saga began after the former Manchester United and West Ham star, who now plays for FC Seoul, was shown in a social media post riding an electronic scooter in the Apgujeong-dong neighbourhood of Seoul, on the evening of September 16.
According to South Korean law, riders are required to hold a valid driver’s licence and must wear a helmet when operating a scooter.
South Korean news channel YTN originally reported the incident, and that police would be conducting an investigation into the incident. As a result, police have confirmed they have fined Lingard a total of 190,000 won – the equivalent of £106 – for the unlicensed scooter ride.
It was previously speculated that the investigation would look to establish whether Lingard was intoxicated while operating the scooter, but police have since confirmed that given the time elapsed since the incident, it would be impossible to pursue this specific charge.
Jesse Lingard is reportedly under police investigation for allegedly driving an electric scooter unlicensed
A source reportedly told South Korean news agency Newsis that Lingard was ‘unaware’ that he needed a licence to ride it and denied any suggestion that he had been drinking beforehand
Following the incident, Lingard released an apology via social media that also said he hadn’t realised he broke the law in the first place.
A source close to the player, reportedly told Newsis: ‘Lingard had no idea. He didn’t know that he needed a licence to ride it.
‘His mother and younger sister came to Korea for a trip and had a meal in Apgujeong-dong. Drinking is nonsense.
‘After this incident, the team said (driving a kickboard without a licence) is not allowed, and the player was clearly aware of it.’
Lingard is said to have uploaded a picture of him on the scooter on Snapchat before deleting it.
Lingard made the surprising move to FC Seoul in the K League back in February of this year.
He has scored four goals in 18 league games and has also taken on the captain’s armband when other players have been out with injuries.
Lingard’s time at the club has also been affected by injuries, after he underwent surgery on his meniscus in his knee back in April.
Before his move to South Korea, the former Manchester United star was fined £57,000 and banned from driving for 18-months last year, after he was caught drink driving in his £200,000 Lamborghini.
Lingard made the surprising move to South Korean side FC Seoul back in February
Lingard was found to be more than twice over the legal limit, as Manchester Magistrates’ Court last September heard how he was stopped by police in Sale, Greater Manchester, on July 8 last year.
Lingard at the time said in a statement: ‘I want to acknowledge my mistake and publicly apologise for my unacceptable actions.
‘I completely understand and accept the consequences of my mistake by putting the lives of others at risk.’
Mail Sport have approached Lingard’s representatives for comment.