23 July 2024 , 07:25
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Keating was stopped by police on June 18, the day before she was expected to join England coach Sarina Wiegman’s 28-strong squad for a three-day training camp at St George’s Park
England Lioness Khiara Keating is due in court on Tuesday charged with possession of nitrous oxide, also known as “hippy crack”.
The Manchester City goalie, 20, arrested last month, will appear at Manchester and Salford magistrates court on the Class C drug charge. It is understood her locker at City’s Etihad campus training ground was searched as part of an investigation. She was stopped by police the day before she was due to join England’s 28-strong squad for three days’ training at St George’s Park, Burton, Staffs.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: “Khiara Keating (27/06/2004) from Manchester has been charged with possession of class C drugs (Nitrous Oxide). She will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Tuesday 23 July. These charges relate to an incident which took place on Tuesday 18 June on Queens Road.”
Possession with intent to inhale nitrous oxide for a psychoactive effect is an offence punishable with an unlimited fine, community service or police caution. Repeat serious users face up to two years in prison and dealers up to 14 years. Keating has enjoyed an outstanding year for the Sky Blues, becoming the youngest player to win the Women’s Super League Golden Glove award.
Khiara Keating joined the women’s England team in 2023 ( Image: The FA via Getty Images)
The Manchester City goalkeeper was arrested by police last month ( Image: The FA via Getty Images)
It came after she kept nine clean sheets in 22 league games for City, who finished second to rivals Chelsea in the title race. The Lionesses’ manager Sarina Wiegman invited her to join the squad back in October 2023.
On receiving the call up, Keating said her mum Nicola could not believe it. She said: “She was in denial. She was like, ‘Khiara, you’re lying! Stop lying!’ I was like, ‘Mum, I’m serious’.”
Keating started playing football, aged five, for a team coached by her mum. A Man United scout quickly spotted her talents before she joined rivals City in 2015.