Michail Antonio convicted of motoring offence
Watford striker Michail Antonio has been convicted at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court for failing to identify the driver of his Lamborghini supercar during a suspected motoring offence in central London, reports BritPanorama.
The incident relates to a late-night episode near Pall Mall that occurred on 5 November 2024. The 36-year-old had denied the charge, asserting he was not behind the wheel when the offence took place.
Antonio, the registered keeper of the £2.2 million Lamborghini Urus, was contacted by the Metropolitan Police after their investigation linked the vehicle to the incident. He maintained throughout the proceedings that he had made the car available for hire through a friend’s rental business and was in Manchester visiting his children at the time of the alleged offence.
Despite his defence, magistrates found him guilty. During his testimony, Antonio asserted he was not informed about the police correspondence until he was charged. He stated, “I was in shock. How can I be charged with something I haven’t done? This is the first time I was aware of that.”
Antonio explained he typically relies on his girlfriend, Sunita Baines, to manage correspondence, who filters out what she deems important. He also claimed that the original police letter regarding the driver details never reached him, which ultimately led to the prosecution.
On 12 November, police sought to identify the driver in a letter sent to Antonio’s residence in Buckinghamshire. His non-response to the inquiry escalated the matter to criminal charges. The vehicle was involved in the incident at 12:38 am on 5 November.
Tarique Josephs, the friend who managed the car rental, testified as a defence witness, stating that he completed the necessary forms after the charges were initiated. He claimed he had provided evidence identifying the actual driver alongside the prosecution response.
Antonio’s football career has faced notable disruptions, including a serious accident in December 2024, resulting in a broken leg that sidelined him for over six months. Before this setback, he had become West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer during a decade-long spell at the club.
Following his departure from West Ham in the summer of 2025, he played for Qatari side Al-Sailiya before signing a free transfer to Watford earlier this month.
In a sport where the limelight often amplifies personal missteps, Antonio’s case serves as a potent reminder of the scrutiny athletes face beyond the pitch.
