Alexandro Bernabei has been fined after pleading guilty to drink driving last year. The Argentine fullback has endured a tough start to life in Glasgow’s East End as no longer had he signed and he was then hit with a charge by police for driving whilst under the influence in the city centre.
The former Lanus man was a £3.75 million signing in the summer of 2022, when old boss, Ange Postecoglou decided to pluck him from his homeland. It was a big move for the youngster coming to a different country and culture than what he was used to, and it showed with the offence committed just a shirt while into his Celtic tenure.
Today, STV News reports that Bernabei will receive a fine of up to £1875 for his offence and will be banned from driving for 12 months. It’s a wake up call for the little defender and he must heed the warnings that both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers have given him.
Celtic’s Alexandro Bernabei (2R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during a friendly football match between Japan’s Gamba Osaka and Scotland’s Celtic at Suita City Stadium in the city of Suita, Osaka prefecture on July 22, 2023. (Photo by PAUL MILLER/AFP via Getty Images)
His lawyer, Calum Ross, insisted to the court that it was completely out of character for the young man and that he understands the gravity of his poor decision-making and actions ultimately. He said: “He recognises that he let himself down as he had only been in the country for six weeks. Mr Bernabei was in the company of a fellow countryman and he foolishly agreed to his suggestion to go to these premises. The vehicle belonged to the other man.
“He was a young man from a different continent and he feels as if he has blotted his copybook when his intention was to do everything right. Mr Bernabei normally behaves in a model and professional way. His financial circumstances state with his employment he earns approximately £20,000 per month.”
The report also states that the Celtic player could have his licence back within three months, not the original twelve, of he agrees to participate in a drink driving rehabilitation course.
This has been hanging over the young Argentinian so today’s resolution draws a line under the matter and he can now concentrate on his football. Bernabei is now a father and has the responsibilities that come with that on his young shoulders. Hopefully he has learnt his lesson and will be wiser in the future.
Paul Gillespie
Meanwhile, check out Matt Corr speaking to the one and only Martin O’Neill on The Celtic Star Podcast…
