Liverpool goalkeeper fined for using mobile phone while driving
Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has been fined for using a handheld mobile phone whilst driving on the M6 motorway, reports BritPanorama.
The 25-year-old Georgian international was observed watching a video on his device while behind the wheel of his Audi on January 27. This incident prompted action from the police.
Warrington Combined Court imposed a fine of £440 and added six penalty points to Mamardashvili’s driving licence. In addition to the fine, he is required to pay £120 in costs and a £176 victim surcharge.
Cheshire Police officers witnessed Mamardashvili holding his phone near the steering wheel while travelling at motorway speed. PC Ree, one of the officers involved, noted in a statement that the driver appeared to be intently watching something on the device shortly before being stopped.
Following the observation, the officer safely pulled over and approached the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The goalkeeper provided identification, including a Georgian driving licence. Notably, the entire encounter was recorded on the officer’s body-worn camera, as evidenced in court.
Notably, Mamardashvili did not respond to the police prosecution notice issued against him. Consequently, his case was managed through a private hearing under the Single Justice Procedure, where he was convicted based on the evidence submitted by the police without entering a plea.
This season, the goalkeeper has featured 20 times for Liverpool, maintaining three clean sheets while stepping in for the injured first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson. Having joined the Reds from Valencia, where he accumulated over 100 appearances, Mamardashvili made his debut in September last year during a League Cup match against Southampton.
As the player continues to navigate his responsibilities on and off the pitch, it serves as a reminder of the perils of distracted driving. For athletes, the spotlight can extend beyond the field, prompting reflections on personal conduct under scrutiny.
