Post by jimmyjump on Sept 17, 2010 13:14:44 GMT 10
Former Socceroos captain Craig Moore is behind bars after an alleged drunken clash with police in Dubai.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today confirmed Moore, 34, was in police custody in Dubai. He was reportedly involved in a drink-driving incident that led to an altercation with police.
Being drunk or drinking alcohol in public is illegal in the United Arab Emirates.
A DFAT spokesman said Moore had spoken to Australian consular officials by telephone and had legal representation.
"Consular staff will visit the man at the earliest opportunity," the spokesman said.
"Consular officials are providing consular assistance to the man's wife in Australia and are in contact with the man's lawyer."
Dubai police told local news outlets that Moore was being held in custody before an expected court appearance this weekend.
Moore, a former captain of Queensland Roar and defender for Scottish club Rangers, made 52 appearances for the Socceroos including World Cups in 2006 and this year.
Local laws relating to alcohol possession and use are very strict in Dubai.
According to smartraveller.gov.au, drinking in public or being drunk in public is illegal, as is having any alcohol in ones blood when driving. The penalty for a Muslim who is found to be drunk may involve corporal punishment.
If Moore is convicted, any custodial sentence would be served in a local jail, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
DFAT warns travellers who fall foul of the law that they "may face a significant period of detention before [their] case comes to trial".
Moore spent over a decade playing at the highest levels of European football before returning to Australia to play for the Brisbane Roar.
He left the Roar midway through last season for a short spell in Greek football before joining the Socceroos in South Africa for his international and career swansong at the 2010 World Cup.
Known as a tough, uncompromising defender, Moore has recently done some part-time work in the media, but was no longer involved with the Socceroos or club football in a professional playing capacity.
A Football Federation Australia spokesman said Moore was no longer a contracted Australian player but the organisation had sought to ensure he was receiving consular assistance.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today confirmed Moore, 34, was in police custody in Dubai. He was reportedly involved in a drink-driving incident that led to an altercation with police.
Being drunk or drinking alcohol in public is illegal in the United Arab Emirates.
A DFAT spokesman said Moore had spoken to Australian consular officials by telephone and had legal representation.
"Consular staff will visit the man at the earliest opportunity," the spokesman said.
"Consular officials are providing consular assistance to the man's wife in Australia and are in contact with the man's lawyer."
Dubai police told local news outlets that Moore was being held in custody before an expected court appearance this weekend.
Moore, a former captain of Queensland Roar and defender for Scottish club Rangers, made 52 appearances for the Socceroos including World Cups in 2006 and this year.
Local laws relating to alcohol possession and use are very strict in Dubai.
According to smartraveller.gov.au, drinking in public or being drunk in public is illegal, as is having any alcohol in ones blood when driving. The penalty for a Muslim who is found to be drunk may involve corporal punishment.
If Moore is convicted, any custodial sentence would be served in a local jail, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
DFAT warns travellers who fall foul of the law that they "may face a significant period of detention before [their] case comes to trial".
Moore spent over a decade playing at the highest levels of European football before returning to Australia to play for the Brisbane Roar.
He left the Roar midway through last season for a short spell in Greek football before joining the Socceroos in South Africa for his international and career swansong at the 2010 World Cup.
Known as a tough, uncompromising defender, Moore has recently done some part-time work in the media, but was no longer involved with the Socceroos or club football in a professional playing capacity.
A Football Federation Australia spokesman said Moore was no longer a contracted Australian player but the organisation had sought to ensure he was receiving consular assistance.