More stories

  • in

    Ex-Celtic star Anthony Stokes JAILED then BAILED after 100mph car chase with thousands of pounds worth of cocaine

    FORMER Celtic and Hibs star Anthony Stokes has been handed a 15-month jail sentence over a seizure of almost £3,300 worth of cocaine and a high-speed car chase in Dublin.The ex-Celtic and Sunderland player, who was over the alcohol limit, drove at 100mph and nearly collided with another motorist shortly after midnight on January 6, 2023.Former footballer Anthony Stokes who was sentenced to 15 monthsCredit: CollinsAnthony StokesCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowHe was sentenced by Judge Grainne Malone at Dublin District Court today after it emerged that he failed a recent drug test.The former footballer also entered an additional guilty plea to possessing 86 illegal street tablets in Cabinteely, south Co Dublin, about ten days after the traffic pursuit, which the judge regarded to be an aggravating factor, and she refused to suspend any of the sentence.Stokes, supported in court by his girlfriend and mother, showed no emotion as the judge jailed him and imposed a five-year driving ban.However, he lodged £840 and was released on appeal bail shortly after the judge imposed the sentence.Last month, Judge Malone had adjourned sentencing Stokes, 36, until today for a treatment report to prove he is off drugs, but it found he still had traces of cocaine in his system.Defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens said her client was young, fit, and healthy and asked the judge to consider a community service order.Ms Stephens said father-of-three Stokes had been in denial about his problems, “is trying to battle his demons,” and could need intensive psychological assistance and “proper residential treatment”.Judge Malone said Stokes could have faced up to two years’ imprisonment. Most read in FootballHowever, she gave him credit for his guilty pleas and imposed sentences totalling one year and three months.Finalising the case, she noted the evidence about the nature of his driving, the speed and length of the chase, the fact that he was uninsured, and the low alcohol reading, and she added that the drug offences were very serious.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas charged with importing drugs after £600,000 worth of cannabis seized at airportHe pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine hidden in a sock, and having the drug for sale or supply. At his previous hearing, the judge heard how his drink issues spiralled into cocaine addiction when his football career ended.Stokes admitted driving while over the alcohol limit and four counts of dangerous driving during the pursuit from the Naas Road to the Phoenix Park.The ex-Premier League star also admitted not producing a driving licence and not having motor insurance.Garda Radoslaw Konczewski recalled observing the ex-footballer speeding on Walkinstown Avenue at around 12.20 am. The officer activated his patrol car lights, but Stokes failed to stop and continued to the Long Mile Road junction, “which he entered at speed, breaking a red light”.Anthony Stokes in action for HibsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowStokes drove to the Naas Road, broke another red light at a major junction and continued to Ballyfermot Road, breaking two pedestrian red lights and one at a junction.He continued to Kennelsfort Road Upper, broke a red light, and “almost collided with a car on the Chapelizod bypass”.The accused, who had a passenger in the car, went to Knockmaroon Road and stopped at the closed gates of Phoenix Park. Stokes abandoned the vehicle but was caught following a short foot pursuit.The car chase lasted about 10 minutes.Garda Konczewski estimated that Stokes reached a speed of 160km/h at some stages and around 140km/h when he drove through Ballyfermot village.Gardai brought his car to Crumlin station. Cocaine worth €3,700 was found in wraps inside a sock, kept in the air vent on the driver’s side. His DNA was also found on the sock.The court heard he also provided a urine sample, which was over the alcohol limit, but he was “fully cooperative” and “he was a pleasure to deal with”.Stokes had one prior conviction in this jurisdiction for assault causing harm in 2013, which resulted in a suspended sentence and a £25,000 compensation order. The judge noted he also had a record of failing to turn up to court and has spent time in custody in another jurisdiction, but details about that were not available.In the mitigation plea, Ms Stephens said he had been a talented footballer scouted at 14 from Cherry Orchard Football Club in Dublin by Arsenal in London. He began playing for Sunderland when he was 17 and went on to more success with Celtic in the Scottish league.However, he had laboured under addiction from a young age.His adoptive parents moved over with him to help their son pursue his dreams, but after he turned 16, he began abusing alcohol. That problem progressed at the end of his career to cocaine abuse, which he was “heavily using at the time of this incident”.The court also heard that he reacted badly to the end of his career.The defence said Stokes also developed gambling problems but was featured in a documentary highlighting difficulties and mental health difficulties for up-and-coming footballers without parental supervision at a very young age.Appeal bail was set at €1,000 if he intends to challenge the jail sentence. A second male is also before the courts in relation to the drug seizure.Stokes had just been jailed in Scotland for five months after breaching strict court orders against contacting his ex-girlfriend and her family.He repeatedly messaged Eilidh Scott and her parents in defiance of a ban.He appeared from custody in handcuffs at Hamilton Sheriff Court after causing repeated delays to the case.He was also banned from contacting Scott for five years and her parents for a year.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Watch Keanu Reeves make motor racing debut at iconic track as Hollywood A-lister narrowly avoids monster crash

    KEANU REEVES swapped scripts for slipstreams as he made his motor racing debut over the weekend.The Hollywood A-lister, 60, was behind the wheel at the Toyota GR Cup North America event.Keanu Reeves was in racing action over the weekendCredit: APThe 60-year-old’s car featured a homage to his comic book seriesCredit: APReeves took part in two 45-minute races at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit.The venue has been the host of the world-famous Indy500 event for more than 100 years.Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix was also staged there between 2000 and 2007.Over the weekend, Reeves was behind the wheel of his No. 92 BRZRKR car.READ MORE IN SPORTThe A-lister was advertising his new novel, entitled “The Book of Elsewhere”, written alongside highly-renowned science fiction author China Mieville.Reeves’ car also represented the comic book series co-written alongside Matt Kindt.The Canadian qualified 31st out of 35 racers for the event.He nearly crashed just over halfway through the race, narrowly avoiding a collision as he slid on to the grass at Turn 9.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThankfully unhurt, Reeves went on to recover to finish 25th.Undeterred, the Matrix star took part in again in Sunday’s event.Keanu Reeves feels ‘siren call’ to reunite with Sandra Bullock onscreen and admits they’d knock Speed 3 ‘out of the parKThe races acted as a support for the weekend’s Indy 8 Hour sports car action.In Sunday’s event, Reeves went one better to finish 24th.The superstar actor starred in the 1994 blockbuster “Speed” alongside Sandra Bullock.On Tuesday he is set to reunite with Bullock in Los Angeles for a special 30th anniversary screening of the movie.Reeves starred in the 1994 blockbuster Speed alongside Sandra BullockCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Premier League footballers banned from driving Elon Musk’s £100,000 Tesla Cybertruck due to little-known safety rules

    GUTTED Premier League footballers are being thwarted in their attempts to buy Elon Musk’s £100,000 Tesla Cybertruck by UK road safety laws.The stunning stainless steel car has become a favourite of US celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.Gutted Premer League footballers are unable to get their hands on Tesla’s CybertruckUK road regulations state the Tesla Cybertruck doesn’t comply with pedestrian safety guidelinesElon Musk’s Cybertruck is also too big for European roadsAnd now as many as 15 Prem stars have asked leading car dealership Premier Sports Solutions to see if they can get their hands on one.However, many frustrated footballers have been left disappointed to find out they don’t meet UK safety standards.UK regulations include strict demands on pedestrian safety.These include requirements for crumple zones, a limit on front-end extension beyond the front axle, and prohibitions on sharp, angular designs or protruding parts that could injure pedestrians.Read more football newsUnfortunately for potential customers in Britain, the design of the Tesla Cybertruck features a protruding flat front, as well as various sharp angles, meaning it fails to meet the criteria.Another stumbling block is the Cybertruck’s gargantuan size.In the US, where driving safety standards are more relaxed, it is classified as a light-duty truck.But in the UK and Europe, regulations are a lot stricter.Most read in FootballReports claim that the Cybertruck weighs between 3,629 kg to 4,536 kg. ‘Chaos engineer’ with 12m followers reveals ‘dangerous’ CyberTruck problem despite Tesla’s ‘amazing job with tech’A Category C1 driving licence is required for vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 3,500 kg.With the lightest model above that threshold, it would be an unlikely UK drivers would get a C1 licence to drive a Cybertruck.Richard Clark, founder and CEO of Premier Sports Solutions, told SunSport: “I’d love to be able to sell Cybertrucks, and they’re very desirable, but I can’t.”We’ve had between 10-15 Premier League players who have asked about them.”However, you are not allowed to have them on our UK roads because they haven’t passed the crash test here. It’s a big no, unfortunately.”If someone wants one, they’ll only be able to look at it on their drive and won’t be able to take it for a spin.”Clark added: “In the US the roads are a lot wider and the cars are much bigger. Take a Cadillac Escalade, for example. The bonnet is twice the size of a Range Rover’s.”We do a lot of American cars, a lot of Escalades. A lot of footballers who come over from different countries still want left-hand drive motors, which we import over.Richard Clark is the go-to car salesman for the Premier League eliteJustin Bieber is one of many US celebrities who own a Tesla Cybertruck”Cybertrucks, though, are a non-starter over here.”In America, Cybertrucks have taken off with the NFL’s biggest stars.Some, including New York Giants linebacker Isiah Simmons, have customised their cars with incredible wraps,While ex-Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron’s glows in the dark.And it’s not just sports stars who are smitten with Tesla Cybertrucks.Music stars including Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams and Lady Gaga are all said to have one in their garage.Serena Williams was also spotted with her husband Alexis Ohanian behind the wheel of a flashy Tesla Cybertruck leaving a party in Miami.Back in August, Vladimir Putin’s attack dog Ramzan Kadyrov flaunted a new Tesla Cybertruck which he claims to have received from Elon Musk.The Chechen warlord modified his, attaching a massive machine gun to the back and pledged to send it to the frontline in Ukraine.TESLA CYBERTRUCK SPECThe Tesla cybertruck has become the must-have mode of transport for A-listers and sports stars. The likes of Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga and Pharrell Williams all ordered one when given the chance. But how does the electric motor stand up?Height: 70.5 inchesWidth: 95 inchesLength: 224 inchesWeight: 3,104kgTowing capacity: 4,990kgEst. range: 340 miles0-60 mph: 2.6 secondsTop speed: 130 mphSeating: Five adultsDisplays: 18.5” Center Touchscreen, 9.4” Rear TouchscreenPrice: Start at $82,000Wheels: 20 inchNew York Giants star Isaiah Simmons shows off his custom designed CybertruckChechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov shows off his machine gun adapted CybertruckCybertruck creator Musk soon denied the claims.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wrote on X: “Are you seriously so r******* that you think I donated a Cybertruck to a Russian general?”Yet another example of how much the legacy media lies.” More

  • in

    Formula E announce never-before-seen feature ahead of new season with cars FASTER than current F1 cars

    FORMULA E will conduct an all-female test for the first time ever “to improve diversity and equality across motorsport”.Female drivers, who currently do not race in Formula E, will test the new ‘Gen3 Evo’ electric car – which is 30 per cent FASTER than current F1 CARS.The ‘Gen3 Evo’ is an upgrade on last season’s Electric Gen3Britain’s most successful female driver Jamie Chadwick will likely be given an opportunity to drive in the testThe racing series will field 22 female drivers in an afternoon session at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in November near Valencia, Spain.The brand new ‘Gen3 Evo’ net zero race cars are capable of 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds.The same typical range for modern day F1 cars is between 2.1 to 2.7 seconds.The ‘Gen3 Evo’, which can reach speeds of 200mph, is set to be used across the upcoming 11th season.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt will also be the most efficient formula car, with an electric motor providing more than 90 per cent efficiency, compared to the 40 per cent typical of F1 vehicles.There are currently no female drivers in a Formula E race seat.Each of the current teams in the Formula E Championship will be required to field at least one female driver for the half-day test. Three women have competed in a Formula E race before, but that all came in the inaugural 2014 season.Most read in MotorsportWhat is the difference between Formula One and Formula E?The F1 car relies on an internal combustion engine.While Formula E cars are battery-powered and relies on electricity and regenerative braking.F1 races mostly on race tracks, while Formula E prefers street circuits. F1 cars can reach up to 360 km/h (or more) and Formula E cars up to about 280 km/h.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis included experienced British sports car driver Katherine Legge, Swiss Simona de Silvestro and Italian Michela Cerruti.Meanwhile, the last woman to race in F1 was Italy’s Lella Lombardi in 1976.Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’Formula E will also hold the first-ever dedicated test session exclusively for women racing drivers in the ABB FIA World Championship.The full line-up of women drivers participating in the test will be announced in the coming weeks.But several squads already have links to female drivers.This includes three-time W Series champion and Indy NXT driver Jamie Chadwick, who races with Andretti and tested one of the American team’s IndyCars earlier this week.Chadwick presented with Sky Sports at the Singapore Grand Prix last weekAlice Powell will likely be offered the chance to take part in testing tooThe 26-year-old Brit was also given the opportunity by Formula E to drive the Gen3 Evo car last season in Portland between official sessions.The test aims to provide the women not only with a destination but also a pathway to develop their careers.Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said: “We know there isn’t a simple solution for greater diversity in motorsport.”If we’re going to truly give women equality, opportunity and visibility in our series conditions for all need to be the same.”To aid their development and test themselves against those already on the starting grid.”We have to make a start somewhere.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the car represented another “significant leap forward in electric racing” technology.The Formula E season begins in Sao Paulo on December 7, where Pascal Wehrlein will begin his defence of the title he won with Porsche.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua pleaded guilty to driving offence days before Daniel Dubois defeat and blamed it on ‘fatigue’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA pleaded guilty to a driving offence just days before his crushing defeat to Daniel Dubois, according to reports.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion was reportedly slapped with a speeding charge in the build-up to his Wembley war with his old sparring partner.Anthony Joshua locked horns with Daniel Dubois in a Wembley war last weekendCredit: REUTERSThe Watford warrior suffered a crushing fifth-round KO loss to ‘Triple D’Credit: GETTYAJ reportedly pled guilty to guilty to a speeding fine days before the boutCredit: REUTERSAnd the Watford warrior is said to have pled guilty to the offence FOUR DAYS before his fifth-round TKO defeat to Triple D.The London Evening Standard claims AJ, 34, turned in a guilty plea online on September 17.He was permitted to submit his plea online and not in court as the Single Justice Procedure dealt with the case.The London 2012 gold medallist is said to have blamed the offence on the “physical and mental fatigue” from his latest training camp.READ MORE ON AJIn a letter of mitigation seen by the Evening Standard, he said: “I fully accept responsibility for my actions on May 29, 2024 and deeply regret my failure to adhere to the speed limits. “I understand the importance of road safety and am fully aware of the potential consequences of speeding, not only for myself but also for other road users.””My behaviour on that day was not excusable, and I take full ownership of my mistake. “I would, however, like to offer some context regarding the situation, not as an excuse. Most read in Boxing”But in the hope that the court may consider it when determining my penalty.Anthony Joshua confirms retirement decision following shock loss to Daniel Dubois as he sends video message to fans“I am a professional athlete, currently in the middle of a very intense training camp. “My schedule has been extremely demanding, and I was traveling to or from a training session at the time and date of the offense.“The physical and mental fatigue from my training may have clouded my judgment, leading to this lapse in concentration.“I recognise that such circumstances do not justify speeding, and I deeply regret allowing myself to make this error. “I have since made a very conscious effort to be more mindful of my speed and have been adhering strictly to all traffic laws.”AJ is now at a career crossroads following his demolition at the hands of IBF heavyweight king Dubois.Anthony Joshua insists retirement is NOT on the cards for himCredit: REUTERSHe was dropped a staggering FOUR TIMES on his way to being stopped in the fifth round, in which he hurt the defending champion.Fans and pundits alike have called for him to hang up his gloves and enjoy his millions in the bank.But AJ is still hell-bent on becoming a three-time heavyweight champion and insists retirement ISN’T on the cards.He said in his post-fight interview: “Before I came here, I’m always saying to myself, ‘I’m a fighter for life.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We rolled the dice at success and we came up short and we roll it again.”We keep rolling the dice.” More

  • in

    Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann stopped by cops for ‘drink driving’ in Lederhosen after ‘necking steins’ at Oktoberfest bash

    ARSENAL legend Jens Lehmann has been stopped for suspected drink-driving in LEDERHOSEN – after downing steins at Oktoberfest.The Gunners veteran – in goal for the famous ‘Invincibles’ team – was pictured partying at the huge Bavarian beer festival, in Munich, Germany, on Sunday.Jens Lehmann spotted at OktoberfestThe Arsenal goalkeeper in 2006Credit: PA:Press AssociationLehmann at Oktoberfest in 2014Credit: GettyLehmann, 54, was then pulled over by cops outside the beer extravaganza and was staggering and smelled of alcohol, Bild reports.Breath tests had to be abandoned because the ex-Emirates ace was “no longer able to blow” and instead was taken to a police station for further tests.His driver’s licence has been confiscated as a matter of procedure while cops continue looking into the case.Lehmann was earlier pictured in full traditional Bavarian dress with a beer, surrounded by female pals at the festival.Read more on footballFans also spotted him dancing in benches in the Schützenfest tent.A source said: “There are police officers lurking around the Oktoberfest who are supposed to prevent drink driving.”Senior public prosecutor Anne Leiding said: “Mr. Lehmann was subjected to a police check on September 23, 2024 at around 1:30 a.m. due to his unusual driving behavior in a car in the inner city area of Munich.”She added: “The police are said to have noticed a clear smell of alcohol and an unsafe manner.Most read in Football“A breath alcohol test did not produce any usable results, whereupon a blood sample was ordered and the driver’s licence was confiscated.“Our investigations are still pending. Suspicions of drunk driving continue.”Lehmann – who came third at the 2006 World Cup with Germany – has faced a string of trouble with police over recent years.In December 2023 he was fined £400,000 by the Starnberg District Court, in Bavaria, for chainsawing his neighbour’s garage roof to get a better view of Lake Starnberg.A court also previously heard he drove bumper-to-bumper behind a car under a barrier in order to avoid paying parking fees at Munich Airport.In 2009 Lehmann was dropped by then team Stuttgart for partying at Oktoberfest without permission.He is a regular at the festival and in 2012 was picture there with Sol Campbell in full traditional Bavarian dress. He was pictured at the festival with Didier Drogba in 2011.Lehmann famously became the first player to be sent off in a European Cup final after tripping Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o, in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESJens Lehmann told Blild: “I can’t say anything about it at the moment.”A spokesman for Munich police declined to comment. More

  • in

    Roy Keane apologises for ‘thinking we were friends’ as he’s bluntly shut down by Gary Neville

    ROY KEANE had Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright in stitches after being shut down by Gary Neville during the latest episode of The Overlap.The former footballer foursome headed to Italy as they took their popular show on tour.Roy Keane revealed that he’d like to drive a ‘proper car’ around a trackCredit: @WeAreTheOverlapGary Neville laughed as Keane snapped back at himCredit: @WeAreTheOverlapIn the opening segment of the show, Keane was behind the wheel of their car, with Neville in the front passenger seat and Carragher and Wright in the back.Making conversation, Keane, 53, said: “I’d like to do a rally thing, drive a proper car.”Would you like to do that lads? Around a track?”After a brief pause, Neville cut in: “We’re not filming like, but…”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMimicking hurt feelings, Keane replied: “So we can only chat when we’re filming?”Okay, I thought we’d have a chat as friends… Jesus, sorry – I apologise.”Camera, action, let’s pretend we like each other.”Neville, 49, began to laugh as soon as Keane hit back at him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile the Irishman’s last comment had Wright and Carragher in stitches from the back seat.Neville then replied: “I know but sometimes it’s nice to have peace, sometimes it’s nice to have just a bit of tranquillity.”It’s the new garlic bread,’ rants Roy Keane as Man Utd legend slams method Gary Neville swears by as a ‘waste of time’Keeping a straight face, Keane said: “Agreed.”During the previous episode of The Overlap On Tour, the group headed to Istanbul, where Keane made a bizarre claim about ice baths.He huffed: “All that’s a waste of time, I’m telling you lads.”I looked into it, I’ve done my homework on it. Ice baths, the new garlic bread. “I’m telling you, it’s a waste of time. It’s the new thing. Leave it.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

  • in

    Moment Erling Haaland caught ‘scrolling’ through his phone while driving his £250,000 Mercedes after leaving Etihad

    ERLING Haaland has been caught appearing to use his mobile phone as he left the Etihad on Sunday night – while behind the wheel of his brand new £250,000 motor.The Norwegian goal machine, 24, was spotted driving his flash Mercedes Maybach after he scored against Arsenal in a 2-2 draw.Erling Haaland has been caught appearing to use his mobile phone while driving as he left the Etihad on Sunday nightCredit: TikTokThe Man City goal-machine was seen scrolling through his phone in his £250k Mercedes while he stopped in trafficCredit: TikTokHaaland netted against Arsenal earlier on SundayCredit: GettyIn footage viewed over 12,000 times on TikTok, it looks like Haaland brazenly scrolled through his phone while stopped in traffic alongside glamorous girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen.Wearing a blue hoodie, he was filmed picking up the device as his vehicle was surrounded by fans taking pictures through the window – only briefly looking up.Haaland then put down his phone as the traffic started to move.It comes just a year after the striker was caught using his device while driving his £300k Rolls-Royce Cullinan on a dual-carriageway near to the Etihad in Manchester.Read More in FootballA source said: “Haaland’s certainly scored an own goal.“His car was surrounded by fans taking pictures and videos.“He seemed totally unfazed and didn’t think anything of scrolling through his phone while driving.“He’s a role model to so many young kids – he should know better.Most read in Football“It’s so dangerous and it’s not the first time he’s done it.”The incident occurred just hours after the £375,000-a-week footie sensation scored the first goal of the game in the ninth minute.He was criticised for his celebration when John Stones slotted a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser after he threw the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head, appearing to trigger a bust-up between the two sides.Road safety campaigners blasted his behaviour, branding it “incredibly dangerous”.Lucy Straker, Campaigns Manager at Brake, said: “It is important for any person in a position of influence to act responsibly in these situations, so that those who look up to them can follow their example.“Using any phone while driving is dangerous – driving is a highly complex task requiring a person’s full attention, as any error can be catastrophic.“The temptation of looking at a phone can never be worth someone’s life.“We are relieved that in this instance no one was hurt or killed.“We would encourage Erling Haaland to reach out to us.”Haaland’s error came despite driving rules in his homeland of Norway also banning motorists from using their devices while at the wheel.Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “Using a mobile phone while driving is both illegal and incredibly dangerous, significantly increasing the risk of collisions, injuries, and fatalities on our roads.“It’s crucial that high-profile individuals, particularly those who are role models, understand the far-reaching impact of their actions behind the wheel.”Drivers caught using mobile phones at the wheel face a £200 fine and six points on a driving licence.Road safety experts are calling on tougher laws to deter motorists after usage is up 93 percent.Fresh data from the Department for Transport revealed younger drivers were found to be the most at risk, with use among 17-29 year olds higher than any other age range.READ MORE SUN STORIESAccording to the latest Reported Road Casualties Great Britain (2022), 22 people were killed and 674 injured in road traffic collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was considered to be a contributory factor.Manchester City and Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment.The Man City ace was driving just hours after a Premier League clash on SundayCredit: Getty More