Beattie behind bars

The Daily echo goes on to state that Beattie spent last night in the cells at Southampton Central beofre being charged on a drink driving offence.

Today Hampshire police spokeswoman Lucy Dibdin said: "James Beattie has been charged with driving while under the influence of excess alcohol.

"He was arrested by police at 2.15am in London Road after he was spotted driving erratically in a BMW Z3."

There are two important issues here. The first is one of alcohol abuse by professional players. There's no way Beattie would be able to perform well in training having been well over the limit the night before. Saints need their players to be at 100% in order to have a successful season and Beattie's attitude is unprofessional.

Of far more importance is the offence of drink driving. While to many it may seem like a minor offence, drink driving kills 500 people a year and injures 17 500. Personally, I hope they throw the book at him as an example to others.

Beattie will face the charges in court next Wednesday.