Football News

Former Arsenal star sentenced to prison term

Former Arsenal star Nicklas Bendtner has been sentenced to a 50-day prison term. Bendtner was sentenced in Denmark for assaulting a taxi driver and now faces over a month behind bars.

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The former Arsenal star was shown to have struck a taxi driver which was recorded on CCTV. Bendtner stated he did hit the driver but did so after being threatened. According to the player, the taxi driver threw a bottle or can at him and his girlfriend.

Bendtner currently plays for Norway’s Rosenborg, who have not been happy with his conduct.

“We think that it’s not good for the club and not good for Nicklas, but he remains a player in the club. We are keeping him,” Tove Moe Dyrhaug, the chief executive of Bendtner’s Norwegian club Rosenborg, said.

The striker has played for Rosenborg since March 2017. His move to Norway followed a stint in the Championship with Nottingham Forest.

Bendtner played for Arsenal from 2005 to 2014. He scored 45 goals in 171 matches.

The former Arsenal star striker did make a public apology following the September incident.

“I was involved in an extremely unfortunate episode. I could not imagine it would develop as it did, and of course I’m extremely sad that the outcome became as unfortunate as it did,” Bendtner stated.

“To Rosenborg fans and audiences, I regret that this has happened. I’m sorry with all my heart that we are standing here today. 

“To my dear teammates, I regret that this will steal focus in an important time. I thank you for your understanding. 

“I have never been a fighter but I protect those I love on and off the pitch.” 

According to Sky Sports, the player’s lawyers are set to appeal the decision.

In 18 games this season for Rosenborg, Bendtner has scored five goals. Rosenborg currently sit in first place in the Eliteserien, five points ahead of nearest rival Brann.