N´Zogbia arrested over suspected driving test scam

Wigan’s French winger Charles N’Zogbia has been arrested on suspicion of getting someone else to sit part of his driving test, police said on Thursday.

The 23-year-old, who lives near Manchester, was taken into police custody on Wednesday at a driving test centre on suspicion of fraud by false representation after turning up to do the practical part of his examination.

It is understood officials called police after suspecting he had got someone else to take the theory section of his test.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: “At about 8.30am on Wednesday April 21, 2010, police working alongside the Driving Standards Agency arrested a 23-year-old man at Sale driving test centre on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

“The man has been bailed until June 3 2010 pending further inquiries.”

N’Zogbia, who joined Wigan from Newcastle last year, scored the winning goal for his side in the upset 3-2 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Latics manager Roberto Martinez admitted N’Zogbia had made a naive mistake as a result of being badly advised.

“The way I see the whole situation is that Charles has been badly advised, and he’s made a naive mistake,” Martinez said.

“We’re going to look into every single detail before I give my full side of the story, but what is important is Charles has reacted in a very mature way.

“We need to remember he is a very young man, but he knows he is also a public figure, and he needs to make sure he becomes a stronger and more experienced human being.

“In that respect we’ll help him to ensure he is available to do what he does best which is playing football.

“We’ll collaborate with the police and with Charles to make sure we get out of this situation in a positive way.”