Newcastle Midfielder Cheick Tiote Has Car Seized by Police After Traffic Stop

Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote had his black and white Chevrolet Camaro seized by authorities on Tuesday, and the 26-year-old was arrested for "suspicion of fraud in relation to driving offenses." 

Sky Sports reported the news and passed along a statement from Northumbria Police spokesman with details of the arrest. Here is the statement:

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At about 1.30pm on 12 February, a car was stopped on Benton Park Road, Newcastle, and a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud in relation to driving offences.

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The report adds that the incident occurred near Newcastle's training ground. 

While the year of the Camaro was not offered up, it is obviously in good shape as Sky Sports reported that it is "thought to be worth in the region of £75,000."

The Ivory Coast international had just recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. I doubt this is the kind of welcome-back present that Tiote had in mind. 

The good news for Newcastle is that, according to the Daily Mail's Colin Young, the arrest is not expected to keep him out of Newcastle's Europa League on Thursday against FC Metalist Kharkiv.

Young also points out that this is not the first brush with the law for Tiote. Two years ago, he had his BMW seized by authorities for driving without insurance. We'll see if this factors in to any punishment for Tiote on this alleged offense. 

While the loss, even if temporary, of £75,000 is always going to be painful, this £60,000-a-week player should be able to withstand the blow. Now he needs to turn his attention to not letting this situation, and any ensuing legal battle, not distract him from his role on the pitch.

Newcastle needs him.