Premier League star arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after escaping drop

Burnley striker Ashley Barnes was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after the club secured their Premier League status with victory at Fulham last Monday.

The 31-year-old was pulled over by police in his £55,000 Mercedes V-Class people carrier near his home and failed a breath test, report The Sun.

He came off the bench as an 86th-minute substitute in the 2-0 win which guaranteed top-flight football for the Clarets next season.

Barnes reportedly enjoyed drinks with his teammates on the coach back north, before being stopped by police in Wilmslow, Cheshire at 3am on Tuesday morning.

He was released on bail and is due to appear in court on June 14.

A Burnley spokesman said: "Burnley FC upholds and expects the highest standards of responsible behaviour from all its players and staff.

“Therefore, while observing the conclusion of legal proceedings, the club will be treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.

“The player will be subject to internal disciplinary procedures.”

Barnes has made more than 200 appearances for Burnley and was an unused substitute in their 3-0 defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday evening.

Cheshire Police said: “At around 3am on Tuesday, May 11, officers stopped a black Mercedes V220.

“The driver of the vehicle, a 31-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink driving.

“Ashley Luke Barnes, of Wilmslow, was subsequently charged.”

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