Jesse Lingard Under Investigation in South Korea for Riding Electric Scooter Without License

Former Manchester United player Jesse Lingard is facing scrutiny from authorities in South Korea after being seen riding an electric scooter without a valid license. The incident surfaced when Lingard, now with FC Seoul, posted a photo of himself on the scooter, which he later deleted. The 31-year-old was riding without protective gear, raising alarms among fans and local officials.

According to reports from GOAL (via YTN), the Gangnam Police Department is investigating whether Lingard possesses the necessary international driving license to operate the scooter legally, as well as whether he had been drinking prior to riding. If he is found in violation of the law, he could face penalties, given South Korea’s stringent traffic regulations.

This incident adds to Lingard’s history of driving issues; just a year ago, he received an 18-month driving ban in the UK for drunk driving, having been caught with double the legal alcohol limit.

Lingard’s current situation is particularly noteworthy as he moved to South Korea earlier this year aiming to rejuvenate his football career. After dealing with injuries, he has recently begun to show improvement, scoring twice in his last three matches, bringing his total to four goals in 18 appearances. His strong performances have led to him being named captain of the club, a significant achievement in his brief tenure.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Lingard has stated that he is enjoying his time in South Korea and feels optimistic about his career. In a recent interview, he mentioned being in a “happy place” and enjoying his football after overcoming initial challenges. He joined FC Seoul as a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest, and while his journey has had ups and downs, he appears to have found his footing on the field.

However, this incident could overshadow his recent success. South Korea has strict traffic laws, particularly regarding electric scooters, which require riders to have the appropriate license and to wear safety gear like helmets. If found guilty of violations, Lingard could face fines or other penalties.

Currently, Lingard is under police investigation, and as one of the league’s most prominent foreign players, this incident may attract significant media attention, potentially affecting his standing with FC Seoul. Fans and followers will be closely monitoring the situation to see how it impacts his future with the team.

Lingard’s move to Asia followed a challenging period in England, where he struggled with form and consistent playing time. After leaving Manchester United in 2022, he spent a season at Nottingham Forest but failed to make a significant impact. Now with FC Seoul, he hopes for a fresh start, and his recent performances indicate a resurgence. Nevertheless, this legal issue could complicate his progress.

While his on-field performance has begun to attract attention, his off-field actions may have serious consequences. The police investigation’s outcome will be crucial for Lingard as he navigates his journey in Asia. Both FC Seoul fans and Lingard supporters hope this incident won’t derail his progress, allowing him to continue improving his football career.

In the meantime, Lingard remains focused on his game, aiming to balance strong performances on the field with addressing this unexpected legal challenge.
Jesse Lingard, currently playing for FC Seoul, is facing scrutiny from authorities in South Korea for riding an electric scooter without a valid license. The incident came to light after Lingard posted, then deleted, a photo of himself riding the scooter without protective gear, which has raised concerns among local officials and fans. The Gangnam Police Department is investigating whether Lingard had the required international driving license and if alcohol was involved, as South Korea enforces strict traffic regulations.

This situation adds to Lingard’s past driving issues, including an 18-month ban in the UK for drunk driving last year. Despite his legal troubles, Lingard has recently shown promise on the field, scoring four goals in 18 matches and being named captain of FC Seoul. However, this investigation could overshadow his recent resurgence.

South Korea’s laws on electric scooters mandate proper licensing and safety gear, and if found in violation, Lingard could face penalties such as fines. The case is drawing significant media attention, potentially affecting his standing with FC Seoul and his progress in his football career.

Lingard, who joined FC Seoul as a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest, has expressed optimism about his time in South Korea, stating that he is in a “happy place” and enjoying his football. However, the outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining his future both on and off the field.