Footballer Clarke Carlisle charged with driving offence before collision

Clarke Carlisle has been in hospital since being struck by a lorry on 22 December

Former footballer Clarke Carlisle was charged with a drink-driving offence days before he was seriously injured when he was hit by a lorry, it has emerged.

The 35-year-old was struck by a lorry on the A64 near York on 22 December and remains in hospital in Leeds.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed he was charged with failing to provide a sample on 20 December.

He is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on 20 January.

Mr Carlisle, who played for teams including Burnley, Queens Park Rangers, Leeds United and Northampton Town, was also the chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association.

His wife Gemma wrote on Twitter on Monday that he was "still very poorly but we're hopeful he'll make a full recovery" and thanked well-wishers for their support.