Gascoigne charged with drink-driving

Paul Gascoigne has been charged with drink-driving, sources said Monday, in the latest alcohol-related problem to hit the troubled England football legend.

Gascoigne, 42, and a 40-year-old man also from Newcastle in northeast England, were arrested last month on suspicion of being drunk whilst in charge of a motor vehicle.

The arrests followed an incident at a takeaway restaurant in Leeming Bar, northern England.

Gascoigne is due to appear at the nearby Northallerton Magistrates’ Court on April 16.

North Yorkshire Police said two Newcastle men who were arrested on February 7 answered bail at Northallerton police station on Sunday and were charged with a number of offences.

“The 42-year-old man was charged with drink-driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence,” a spokesman said.

“The 40-year-old man was charged with drink-driving, being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst over the limit, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.”

Gascoigne has struggled with alcoholism and depression since retiring from the game, and has undergone treatment for bulimia and obsessive compulsive disorder.

He was detained three times under the Mental Health Act in 2008.

Gascoigne — known to fans as “Gazza” — made 57 appearances for England. He played for a number of clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in England, Scottish giants Rangers and Lazio in Italy.

Considered one of the most talented English players of his generation, the former midfielder is best known for his exploits at the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy, where he helped England reach the semi-finals.