Rangers midfielder Dujon Sterling has been handed a 12-month driving ban and fined £2,250 after crashing his car while nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit.
The 26-year-old had just played a key role in Rangers' emphatic 3-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead on January 3, a match that had fans buzzing. But just hours later, in the early hours of January 4, Sterling got behind the wheel of his grey Mercedes AMG GLE 63 and was seen driving erratically through Glasgow city center before slamming into a barrier near the M8 motorway.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court, Sterling pleaded guilty to careless driving—a charge reduced from the original dangerous driving allegation—and a separate drink driving offense. Prosecutors revealed that a witness spotted the collision and immediately alerted police. Officers arrived to find the front bumper of the Mercedes embedded in the crash barrier, with Sterling standing outside on his phone.
"He said that he lost control, veered towards the barrier and crashed into it," prosecutor Christa Lindsay told the court. Officers noted Sterling appeared "dazed" and took him to a police station, where a breath test showed 60 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath—nearly three times the legal limit of 22 micrograms. He was arrested and held in custody until deemed fit for release.
CCTV footage captured Sterling driving through the Royal Exchange Square and Queen Street areas of the city center at 1:13 AM, highlighting the dangerous journey that ended in the crash. Rangers had already imposed a temporary driving ban and financial penalty on the player following the incident.
Sterling's off-field troubles come amid a mixed period on the pitch. Just days before the court hearing, he scored Rangers' only goal in a 2-1 defeat away to Hearts on Monday night—a reminder of the talent that makes this case all the more disappointing for fans and the club alike.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of drink driving, even for professional athletes at the top of their game. For supporters, it's a chance to reflect on the importance of making smart choices off the pitch—whether that's choosing a designated driver or simply planning ahead after a big match celebration.