Former Premier League striker Nile Ranger, 30, admits obstructing a police officer

Nile Ranger leaving Ealing Magistrates’ Court, London, May 10

Former Premier League striker Nile Ranger has admitted obstructing a police officer after being pulled over for drink driving on Christmas Eve – and his club now say they are ‘severing all ties’ with him after he failed to attend physiotherapy sessions. 

Ranger, who had played for Southend United, was taken to Heathrow Police station on suspicion of drunk driving last year.

The 30-year-old is said to have refused to test how much alcohol he had drunk at the station’s custody suite.  

Ranger, who has been unfit to play for Southend while nursing a groin injury, pleaded guilty to obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty at Ealing Magistrates’ Court.

But his trial for failing to provide a specimen of breath was adjourned after CCTV footage of what happened at the police station had failed to be provided to the defence.

Southend’s boss Phil Brown has now revealed the forward has left the football club after failing to attend physiotherapy sessions for the injury.

Nile Ranger posed for a snap in his personalised car and posted it on Instagram in 2015

Ranger, 30, pleaded guilty to obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty at Ealing Magistrates’ Court 

Mr Brown told the Echo: ‘He was on a three strike scheme meaning if he was late for three appointments, which is he notoriously renowned for, he would be out.

‘That was verbalised to both himself and the PFA. But the very first three appointments he never showed for.

‘Never mind being late he just never showed at all so that shows you what you were dealing with.

‘Consequently we severed all ties and all relationships with him.’

He added that the cut on Ranger’s groin had gone septic, claiming it was ‘down to his inactivity’, and the club had provided a ‘platform and an opportunity for him to get fit and stake a claim for a contract for next year.’

It is the latest in a long line of troubles for the footballer, who said the game has ‘pretty much washed its hands’ of him.  

At Ealing Magistrates’ Court yesterday Ranger wore a Nike tracksuit to the hearing and was allowed to sit outside the dock. 

Caitlin Evans, representing the footballer, said: ‘It is Mr Ranger’s case the officer’s account, which was received on 5 May, that there are discrepancies.

‘Critically the main issue is whether the statutory warning is given.

‘In my submission, it is in the interest of justice for CCTV footage to be provided. It’s critical to both the defence and Crown’s case.

‘I would submit that with the Crown serving this evidence so late, a month after it was due and a few days before the trial, the defence has not had time.

‘It would be in the interest of justice for an adjournment to be granted.

‘The defence is at a disadvantage to counter the words of an officer when CCTV footage has not been produced.’

Beata Murphy, prosecuting, opposed the adjournment as two police officers who were going to be witnesses in the trial had attended the hearing.

Nile Ranger of Southend United during Sky Bet League Two between Southend and Salford City at Roots Hall Stadium, February 27

Magistrate chair Grace Dent said: ‘We have fully considered the request and we are going to grant an adjournment as we believe it would be in the interest of justice.

‘The CPS should provide footage of the custody procedure on CCTV to the defence. The adjournment is granted.’

In an interview with football magazine Four Four Two last year, Ranger said the game has ‘pretty much washed its hands’ of him and he is treated like the ‘Osama Bin Laden of football’.

He said: ‘I hope and pray I’ll get one last chance. If I do, I’m ready to grab it with both hands.’

He was released on unconditional bail.