**England Lionesses Goalkeeper Khiara Keating Faces Court Over Nitrous Oxide Possession**
The 20-year-old goalkeeper is set to attend court on Tuesday, charged with possession of nitrous oxide, also known as “hippy crack.”
According to reports, Khiara Keating was arrested last month after an investigation by Greater Manchester Police. The incident occurred in June, and Keating was stopped by police on the eve of joining up with England’s national team.
Keating, who plays for Manchester City, will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court, where she could face a range of sanctions, including an unlimited fine, community service, or a police caution, if found guilty. Repeat offenders can face imprisonment.
England Lionesses goalkeeper Khiara Keating is set to attend court on Tuesday charged with possession of nitrous oxide
A statement from Greater Manchester Police confirmed Keating’s charge, stating: ‘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.’
Keating has just come off a career-best season, starring for Manchester City and earning a first senior England call-up, where she became the first goalkeeper of color to play for the Lionesses.
Keating became the first goalkeeper of colour to play for the Lionesses after her senior call-up
As a 19-year-old, Keating also became the WSL’s youngest-ever Golden Glove winner after nine clean sheets in 22 league games for City last season, beating both Mary Earps and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman has already used Keating as a backup option to Mary Earps and was integral to Manchester City’s Women’s Super League runners-up finish that went to the final day of the season.