Diouf, who has served two football bans for spitting, pleaded guilty to drink-driving on October 30.

Diouf, thought to earn around £30,000 (€44,446) a week, was given a mandatory 12-month ban and fined £3,000 (€4,444) with £65 (€96) costs to be paid within seven days.

Mark France, prosecuting, told the court Diouf gave a positive breath test of 54 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 micrograms.

The former Liverpool player appeared in court wearing a brown suit, trainers and an earring.

Mr France told the court Diouf was stopped in his black Mercedes 4x4 in Blackburn in the early hours of October 30.

A roadside breath test proved positive and he was arrested and taken to Astley Bridge police station.

Diouf was given further breath tests using an intoximeter, which proved positive.

Nick Ross, mitigating, said Diouf had been playing for Bolton in London against Charlton hours before he was arrested.

The team flew home after the 1-0 win, arriving around 8pm in the north west.

Diouf, who gave his address as Broadacre in Liverpool, drove home to see his wife and young child and then drove back to Bolton for a pre-arranged meal.

“Over a period of three to four hours, he consumed three glasses of champagne,” Mr Ross told the court.

“He felt absolutely in control of his faculties.

“Door staff said when he left, minutes before the incident which resulted in the offence, he appeared absolutely sober.”

Mr Ross said Diouf intended to drive to a nearby hotel with a friend instead of driving home.

He then saw the blue flashing lights of a police car in his mirror.

“He’s sorry for the fans of his club and his family and how foolish he has been to himself. A harsh lesson has been learned by Mr Diouf,” Mr Ross added.

Diouf was not legally aided.