N’Zogbia in drive test fraud probe

Charles N'Zogbia is suspected of getting someone else to sit part  of his driving test

A Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of getting someone else to sit part of his driving test.

Wigan Athletic player Charles N’Zogbia, 23, who lives in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, was arrested on Wednesday at a driving test centre on suspicion of fraud by false representation after turning up to do the practical part of his examination.

It is understood officials called police after suspecting he had got someone else to take the theory section of his test.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: “At about 8.30am on Wednesday April 21 2010, police working alongside the Driving Standards Agency arrested a 23-year-old man at Sale driving test centre on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

“The man has been bailed until June 3 2010 pending further inquiries.”

The French winger, who signed for Wigan from Newcastle United for £6m last year, was arrested at the Poplar Road test centre in Sale, Greater Manchester.

He recently gained British citizenship after spending five years in the UK.

The theory section of a driving test must be passed before a practical test can be taken, the law states.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said: “The way I see the whole situation is that Charles has been badly advised, and he’s made a naive mistake.   We’re going to look into every single detail before I give my full side of the story, but what is important is Charles has reacted in a very mature way.

“We need to remember he is a very young man, but he knows he is also a public figure, and he needs to make sure he becomes a stronger and more experienced human being. In that respect, we’ll help him to ensure he is available to do what he does best, which is playing football. We’ll collaborate with the police and with Charles to make sure we get out of this situation in a positive way.”

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