Legend

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/03/19/norwich-star-matty-pattison-arrested-for-drink-driving-in-his-underwear-89520-20355816/

Norwich star Matty Pattison arrested for drink driving in his underwear

EXCLUSIVE Norwich star arrested at training… on day off
By Darren Lewis 19/03/2008

Glenn Roeder is checking a Norwich player into rehab after he was arrested for drink driving in his underwear.

The Canaries boss is set to act after ex-Newcastle midfielder Matty Pattison, nicknamed Party, was stopped on Sunday morning. Mirror Sport understands Pattison visited a nightclub on Saturday night after the Championship side’s 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

And on Sunday, apparently still drunk, Pattison allegedly woke up and jumped into his car believing he was late for training.

There was no training scheduled for that day. But wearing just his pants, a T-shirt and no shoes, Pattison began driving to the club’s Colney training ground. He was tailed by police halfway through the journey after he was apparently spotted driving erratically.

When the 21-year-old pulled up outside the Norwich training ground he was arrested after police were said to have found him unsteady on his feet and slurring his words.

South-African born Pattison, who will be checking into the Sporting Chance Clinic in Hampshire, has been bailed to appear before Norwich magistrates on March 31.

Norwich chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "We understand that Matthew Pattison was arrested and has been charged with a drink-drive offence.

"We will be investigating what has happened and co-operating fully with Norfolk Constabulary.

“When we have more facts at our disposal we will then be in a position to comment further.”

Pattison is Roeder’s only permanent signing at Carrow Road since taking over last October.

The manager has acted swiftly to provide support rather than punish Pattison who has a reputation among teammates for being a party animal.

A City source said: "He is always out clubbing which is why he has got the nickname ‘Party’.

“It’s a shame he has a bit of problem because he is a good player.”

Sporting Chance was set up by the charity’s chief executive Peter Kay and Arsenal legend Tony Adams.

It has provided help for the likes of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, former Gunners’ star Paul Merson and ex-England ace Paul Gascoigne.

Roeder is among a new wave of coaches battling to drive the booze culture out of football after seeing the benefits at leading Premier League clubs.

It is believed Pattison agreed to check into the rehab clinic after holding crisis talks with Roeder earlier this week.

That’s quality, nothing worse than waking up dishevelled in a fluster on a non-work day thinking you have work. Nothing better then than realising you have no work - unless of course you’re half naked behind the wheel with sirens blaring.