Ex-Socceroos captain Moore ‘arrested in Dubai’

Former Socceroos captain Craig Moore has been arrested in Dubai for allegedly drink-driving and assaulting police, Australian media reported on Friday.

Public broadcaster ABC said Moore, 34, was in jail after being arrested on Wednesday, and is set to appear in court. Foreign affairs officials said a 34-year-old Australian man had been detained in Dubai, without identifying him.

“The man remains in detention and has legal representation,” a spokesman said in a statement. “Consular officials from the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi spoke to the man via telephone on 16 September 2010 and he confirmed his welfare.”

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.

“I’m hanging up the boots and looking to explore other avenues,” Moore told Fairfax newspapers at the time. “I had offers from China, Korea, Hong Kong and Australian clubs, but for me the hunger to play is gone.”