Ex-Socceroos captain faces only alcohol charge in Dubai

A Dubai prosecutor said Wednesday that former Aussie national football captain Craig Moore, reportedly involved in a drunken altercation over a taxi fare, will only be charged on a misdemeanor drinking offense.

After Moore was questioned over “alcohol consumption, aggression and insult of a functionary and refusing to pay a taxi fare,” Sami Salem al-Shami said it was decided to turn the case over to a court dealing with misdemeanors.

Moore will only be tried for “alcohol consumption under conditions not authorised by law,” Shami said in a statement, explaining that the “private parties” — the cabbie and a policeman — had decided not to pursue it.

He did not elaborate but on Sunday The National newspaper cited Dubai police as saying Moore’s was arrested after a row with a cab driver that escalated into a confrontation with police.

Moore drunkenly argued with the cab driver over a 50 dirham (13.60 dollar) fare and police were called to intervene, the newspaper said.

“He then shoved one of the officers,” it added.

Shami did not say when Moore would be tried.

The offence is punishable by up to three months in prison, a 5,000 dirham (1,360 dollar) fine, or both, The National said.

Non-Muslims can consume alcohol in Dubai, but only in hotels or clubs.

The ex-Glasgow Rangers, Borussia Moenchengladbach and Newcastle United defender retired from football in July after this year’s World Cup, following a distinguished career that included 52 caps and three goals for the Socceroos.