Clarke Carlisle charged over alleged drink driving offence days before lorry collision
The former footballer remains in a Leeds hospital
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Leeds, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers defender Clarke Carlisle was charged with an alleged drink driving offence just days before he was seriously injured in a collision with a lorry.
The 35-year-old ex-footballer remains in a Leeds hospital following the accident on the A64, near York, on 22 December.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed Carlisle was charged with failing to provide a sample on 20 December and is set to appear in court next month.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: "Clarke Carlisle, 35, was charged on Saturday, 20 December with failing to provide a specimen and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
"He is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on 20 January 2015."
The reason for Carlisle’s accident remains unclear, but a North Yorkshire police spokeswoman has confirmed they are "pursuing all avenues".
Support has flooded in for hoping the former Professional Footballers' Association chairman since the accident, wishing him a quick ad full recovery.
Yesterday, his wife Gemma Carlisle tweeted: "Thank you for continuing messages of support and for media restraint. Clarke still very poorly but we're hopeful he'll make a full recovery."
Additional reporting by Press Association