FC Seoul's Jesse Lingard admits to riding e-scooter without license or helmet

FC Seoul midfielder Jesse Lingard admitted Tuesday night that he'd ridden an e-scooter without a driver’s license or helmet, saying he was not aware that they were required by Korean law.

FC Seoul midfielder Jesse Lingard, left, in action during a K League 1 match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, North Jeolla on June 29. [NEWS1]

FC Seoul midfielder Jesse Lingard admitted Tuesday night that he'd ridden an e-scooter without a driver’s license or helmet, saying he was not aware that they were required by Korean law.

Police had launched an investigation earlier on Tuesday into allegations that Lingard had ridden an e-scooter without a valid license and helmet the day before, Yonhap News Agency reported Tuesday.

Current law requires individuals to be at least 16 years old with a motorcycle license, or 18 years old with a car driver's license, to legally ride electric scooters.

A picture of Jesse Lingard riding an e-scooter that the midfielder posted to his Instagram account on Monday [SCREEN CAPTURE]

“I didn't know the rules of wearing a helmet or having a license as well. In England, and probably in Europe as well, you can just pick up an e-scooter off the street and start riding it,” Lingard said in a video posted to Instagram Tuesday. “Anyone visiting South Korea, obviously, you have to check the rules. It can be dangerous. Safety first for everyone. Obviously, I won't do that again.”

It is unclear whether the English midfielder rode the scooter while drunk, but police are reportedly investigating whether he did so.

Riding an e-scooter without a driver’s license can result in a fine of up to 300,000 won ($225). Doing so without wearing a helmet can incur a 20,000 won fine.

FC Seoul have yet to release a statement about the Lingard situation as of press time Wednesday.

Lingard moved to FC Seoul in February ahead of the 2024 K League 1 season. He has scored four goals throughout 18 league fixtures.

The former Manchester United midfielder struggled early in the season, but he has still played as a regular pick since returning from a knee injury in May and earned the captain armband in June.

He has been on a good run in recent games, scoring a goal against Gangwon FC on Aug. 24 and doing so again during the team’s 3-2 loss to Daejeon Hana Citizen on Sept. 14.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]