Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal launched an astonishing verbal attack on the police officer that arrested him for drink-driving after crashing his Ferrari on Tuesday night. The 28-year-old had his licence revoked after the Juventus star was found guilty in court on Wednesday of the charges. Footage of the arrest has emerged in which Vidal reportedly shouts and swears at the officer as he is put in handcuffs. 'You f***** up, sir,' he is heard saying to the policeman.
The accident happened on the outskirts of the Chilean city of Santiago late on Tuesday night, and it's reported that Vidal's Ferrari 458 crashed into another vehicle on the motorway before veering off-road. Vidal and his wife Maria Teresa Matus, who was alongside him in the car as the couple made their way back home from a casino according to local reports, were taken to hospital and the footballer was later seen leaving with police for questioning after reportedly suffering minor injuries.
Chilean national police chief Colonel Ricardo Gonzalez said: "The driver of the red vehicle was under the influence of alcohol." Vidal was taken to the San Luis de Buin hospital, where it was confirmed he was treated for minor injuries before television images showed him leaving in the back seat of a police car. The overwhelming reaction on social media to Vidal following his drink-driving car crash on Tuesday -- bar a few vocal supporters outside court during his trial -- has been one of condemnation.
Many asked just why is it that so many footballers appear to enjoy special dispensation whatever they do. Despite his actions, Vidal still gained a huge amount of support from Chile fans who were lined up outside San Bernando court while Vidal was waiting for the courts verdict. The Chile star has been released by the police but must report to the Chilean consulate in Milan each month.
