Saido Berahino says the issue of an arrest warrant for his failure to pay a £75,000 drink-driving fine followed a 'misunderstanding'.

The striker, who left Stoke City by mutual agreement in the summer having not been picked since being arrested in February, did not show up at Willesden Magistrates' Court in north west London yesterday to answer the charge.

The court heard that warnings had been sent and "the significant sum of £75,870 remains outstanding" before an arrest warrant was granted.

But Berahino, who now plays for Zulte Waregem in Belgium, said on Twitter: "Regarding the multiple reports about the issuing of any warrants, there has been a misunderstanding and this will be rectified very shortly. I/We cannot comment any further at this stage."

Berahino was handed the five-figure fine after being convicted of drink driving for a second time.

He was arrested outside VQ restaurant in Bloomsbury, central London, after driving a "short distance" in his matt black Range Rover while over the limit in February. It as the early hours of a day when he was due to play for Stoke under-23s against Manchester United.

The court heard that he had been robbed of jewellery before his arrest, but held it was not a necessity for him to be driving as his partner was at the wheel beforehand.


Deputy District Judge Aneeta Borwick said: "I have considered the application in relation to Saido Berahino and I'm satisfied that the process has been followed, warnings have been sent first class and the significant sum of £75,870 remains outstanding.


