Professional footballers who own some of the
most powerful cars on the road are being offered extra driving
lessons by their own union.
The PFA scheme, being launched at the City of Manchester
stadium, follows several high-profile incidents involving
players.
Last month, Manchester United's Carlos Tevez had his £140,000
Bentley seized because he did not have a UK licence.
And Cristiano Ronaldo hit the headlines when he crashed his
Ferrari. <!-- E SF -->
The incident happened in January when the winger hit the barrier
in a tunnel near Manchester Airport.
The PFA said the aim of the scheme, which will be run in
conjunction with BSM driving school, was to make footballers
"better drivers".
Manchester City is also offering its youth team the specially
designed driving awareness session.
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: "The one thing that's
important for a young male is that they want to buy a car and that
car is often very powerful.
"We have to make these youngsters aware of how it can be
virtually a weapon of destruction if not handled carefully."
Advanced driving
But the courses, from pre-driving education through to advanced
driving courses, will be open to footballers of all levels -
including top Premier League stars like Ronaldo.
Mr Taylor said the winger's tunnel crash "could have been very
tragic".
"He was very fortunate when you think of his value to Manchester
United and the career in front of him," added the PFA boss.
"That would be an example of what can happen because sometimes
players don't always appreciate the power in these cars." <!-- E
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