Jesse Lingard Under Investigation in South Korea for Riding Electric Scooter Without License

Former Manchester United player Jesse Lingard is under scrutiny from South Korean authorities after he was seen riding an electric scooter without a valid license. The situation came to light when Lingard, now with FC Seoul, shared a photo of himself on the scooter, which he later removed. The 31-year-old was not wearing protective gear, raising concerns among fans and local officials.

Reports from GOAL (via YTN) indicate that the Gangnam Police Department is investigating whether Lingard has the necessary international driving license to operate the scooter legally and if he had been drinking before riding. If he is found to have violated the law, he could face penalties due to South Korea’s strict traffic regulations.

This incident adds to Lingard’s history of driving issues; just a year ago, he received an 18-month driving ban in the UK for drunk driving, having been caught with double the legal alcohol limit.

Lingard’s current situation is particularly notable as he moved to South Korea earlier this year to revitalize his football career. After dealing with injuries, he has recently shown improvement, scoring twice in his last three matches for a total of four goals in 18 appearances. His strong performances have led to him being named captain of the club, a significant milestone in his short time there.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Lingard has expressed enjoyment in his time in South Korea and optimism about his career. In a recent interview, he mentioned being in a “happy place” and enjoying football after overcoming initial challenges. He joined FC Seoul as a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest, and while his journey has been mixed, he seems to be finding his form.

However, this incident could overshadow his recent achievements. South Korea enforces strict traffic laws, especially concerning electric scooters, which mandate riders to have the appropriate license and wear safety gear like helmets. If found guilty of violations, Lingard could face fines or other penalties.

Lingard is currently under police investigation, and as one of the league’s most notable foreign players, this incident may draw significant media attention, potentially impacting his standing with FC Seoul. Fans and followers are closely watching the situation to see how it affects his future with the team.

Lingard’s move to Asia came after a challenging period in England, where he struggled with form and playing time. After leaving Manchester United in 2022, he spent a season at Nottingham Forest but did not make a significant impact. Now at FC Seoul, he seeks a fresh start, and his recent performances suggest a resurgence. Nevertheless, this legal issue could complicate his progress.

While his on-field performance has begun to attract attention, his off-field actions could have serious consequences. The outcome of the police investigation will be crucial for Lingard as he navigates his path in Asia. Both FC Seoul fans and Lingard supporters hope this incident won’t hinder his development, allowing him to continue improving his football career.

In the meantime, Lingard remains focused on his game, aiming to balance strong performances on the field with addressing this unexpected legal challenge.