Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson has said that he was arrested hours before a huge derby clash with Liverpool.
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Ferguson lifts lid on arrestTaken into prison cellReleased in time to playFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Ferguson was arrested for drink driving in the early hours of the morning on the eve of the Merseyside derby in 1994. The Toffees legend was found to be well over the legal limit when he was breathalysed by police. However, he was released in time to play in the match and scored his first goal for the club in a huge 2-0 win.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ferguson's wild off-field behaviour was a regular occurrence during his playing days. The former Scotland international actually served a three-month prison sentence for assault in 1994.
WHAT FERGUSON SAID
Ferguson told Stick to Football: "I was in the cell. And another policeman recognised me – 'You've got your star striker in there!' So they came back and breathalysed me again. I'd come down. I was over the limit, but they said, 'We'll pick you up on the Monday.'"
He added: "The manager [Joe Royle] came in the day before and took me for my first training session. I went to the training ground and I said to Joe, 'I made a mistake here'. He said, 'Well, you're young – don't do it again. Can you play?' 'F*cking aye I can play – I need to play!'"
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Ferguson's love affair with Everton is set to continue. The former striker is set to attend matches at the club's new stadium, Bramley-Moore Dock, after purchasing season tickets.
