Former England footballer Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation following a crash on the M3 motorway in May, Hampshire Police said on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old, from Berkshire, also faces a charge of failing to provide a specimen. He is due to appear at a magistrates' court on September 15 for a hearing.
The charges mark a significant legal development for one of English football's most recognisable figures, whose playing career is currently in limbo after leaving Chelsea earlier this year.
The case also draws attention to the legal status of nitrous oxide, which was made a controlled Class C drug in the United Kingdom in 2023, with possession for wrongful inhalation carrying criminal penalties.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed the charges in a statement. The three offences listed are dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, and failing to provide a specimen.
Sterling crashed his Lamborghini into barriers on the M3 motorway. No other vehicles were involved in the collision and no injuries were reported.
Sterling, who most recently played for Dutch side Feyenoord, joined the Rotterdam club on a short-term deal in February after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent. He has been without a club since the end of last season.
Sterling is one of England's most decorated players of his generation, having won multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City and represented his country at major international tournaments.
"Raheem Sterling, 31, from Berkshire, has been charged for the following offences: dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, failing to provide a specimen," the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said in a statement.
The incident occurred in May, with the charges formally announced on Wednesday. The crash took place on the M3 motorway, a major route connecting London with the south coast of England.
Sterling is scheduled to appear at a magistrates' court on September 15 for a hearing, where the charges against him will be formally addressed.
No further details regarding the case or potential outcomes have been confirmed by authorities at this stage.
The 35-year-old Yorkshireman begins his second tenure against Pakistan at Headingley, with Stephen Fleming joining as head coach ahead of the South Africa tour.
Infantino retreats as UEFA boycott threats and senior resignations sink controversial investment proposal
UK ministers condemn Malvinas display after England loss
France, Spain, England and Argentina set for Dallas and Atlanta as Opta predictions and TV/streaming details guide fans to the final
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!