Soccer hero's warning over alcohol

Soccer hero Malcolm Macdonald hopes his plight will warn others of drink dangers, a court heard yesterday.

The "shamed and humiliated" former Newcastle United and England striker (left), who admitted a drink-driving offence last month, was placed on probation for 18 months and banned from driving for two years.

John Wesencraft, for the defence, told magistrates in Newcastle that "Supermac", as he was known, said alcohol had worsened the effect of osteoporosis that developed from the knee injuries which ended his career 18 years ago. Attempts to kill the pain by drinking whisky had been what started his alcohol problem.

Macdonald, 47, of Jesmond, in Newcastle, was stopped by police in February. Alcohol from the night before was detected on his breath, showing him to be three times over the limit.