Former Arsenal striker Niklas Bendtner sentenced to 50 days in jail

Former Arsenal striker Niklas Bendtner has been sentenced to 50 days in jail by a Copenhagen court for assaulting a taxi driver.

The 30-year old got into an argument with the driver while travelling with his girlfriend and left the car without paying the fare. He was then pursued by the driver after which the player punched the man in the face and kicked him while he laid on the ground.

Bendtner nonetheless admitted the fact that he attacked the taxi driver but said that he felt frightened when the driver threw a can at him.

The Danish striker stated the fact his actions were purely out of self-defence and has been ordered to pay £176 as compensation. He was released after an appeal.

The driver in the meantime fined £353 for not wearing his seatbelt and for using his mobile phone while driving.

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He, in the meantime, issued an apology for his actions. Bendtner who currently plays for Norwegian club Rosenberg would not be sacked by his club.

“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,” said Rosenberg CEO Tove Moe Dyrhaug in an interaction with Reuters.

“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.

“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.

“The episode has taken place with the taxi company’s employees.

“We are deeply shaken. This applies to everyone in the business. We have been informed internally, and of course, this is something that has left us shaken.

“Copenhagen police confirmed to the newspaper that they received a report of violence against a taxi driver at 2.41am on Sunday,” he said.

He has represented the country in 81 matches and scored 30 goals. He was left out of Denmark’s World Cup squad.

Bendtner a former striker for Arsenal, left the club in 2014 and has also played for Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest. He currently has 33 goals for Rosenberg in the 75 matches he played.

Image credit- Eurosport