AN EX-CRAWLEY Town footballer has been banned from the road after being caught drink-driving in Hove.

Striker Ibrahim Meite, 21, was spotted by police speeding in his Mercedes on Dyke Road Avenue on New Year’s Eve after he had left a party.

The player, now at Cardiff City, was banned from the roads at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard the footballer had been out on New Year’s Eve celebrating the end of his time at the club on loan.

Martina Sherlock, prosecuting, said: “Police officers saw the white Mercedes A200d driven on the road in excess of 30 mph on Dyke Road Avenue in Hove.

“Meite was driving and tested positive for the presence of alcohol.

“He was taken to Brighton custody centre and was found to have 62 mg per 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 mg.”

The professional football player joined the League Two side last August from Cardiff City before heading back to Wales this month.

The striker, dubbed The Shark for his predatory instincts, said he had been enjoying life at Crawley Town and working with manager Harry Kewell.

The striker scored two goals during his 19 appearances at the club.

But in mitigation he called his time at the club difficult and said he was usually very professional.

Representing himself, wearing a check shirt and black jeans, he told the court: “My time in Crawley had come to an end.

“I went out on the last day of the year as I wanted to celebrate.

“I know what I did was wrong and it is not in my nature.

“I am really professional in what I do.

“I regret it and, thinking about it, I wish I could turn back time. “I respect the court’s decision whatever happens.”

Meite, of Sherfield Gardens, Wandsworth, London, pleaded guilty to one charge of drink-driving.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 17 months.

He was also made to pay a £380 fine plus £85 costs and £38 victim surcharge.

Chairman of magistrates Ian Stuart told him: “Make sure you act more professionally next time.”

The loss of being able to drive will come as a huge blow to the footballer who posted his excitement about getting the car on his Instagram in July last year.

The ban is until February 2019. His team Cardiff are currently flying high in the Championship.