Full Breakdown
Liverpool Goalkeeper Convicted for Mobile Phone Use While Driving on M6
5/27/2026, 8:32:20 PM
Motorway Stop and Conviction
On 27 January, Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was stopped on the southbound M6 between junctions 23 and 21 after a Cheshire Police officer saw him holding a mobile phone near the steering wheel while driving at speed. He was later convicted of using a handheld phone while driving.
Background & Context
Mamardashvili, 25, signed for Liverpool in 2025 and has made 20 appearances this season, covering for injured first-choice keeper Alisson. UK law bans handheld phone use while operating a vehicle, enforced by police.
Timeline
27 January – Mamardashvili stopped for phone use. The following Friday – Warrington Combined Court convicted him under the Single Justice Procedure.
Key Figures & Groups
- Giorgi Mamardashvili – 25-year-old Georgian goalkeeper for Liverpool, holder of a Georgian driving licence.
- PC Ree – Cheshire Police officer who observed the offence and documented it on body-worn video.
- Warrington Combined Court – venue for the Single Justice Procedure hearing.
Data & Statistics
The court imposed a £440 fine, six licence points, £120 costs and a £176 victim surcharge. He has kept three clean sheets in 20 matches this season.
Official Statements & Responses
Cheshire Police noted that Mamardashvili was seen holding his phone near the steering wheel, leading to a safe stop and his removal to the police vehicle. The court’s written judgment confirmed the conviction based on the officer’s evidence, with no plea entered.
Why It Matters
The case demonstrates that mobile-phone-while-driving laws apply to public figures, reinforcing traffic-safety expectations for high-profile individuals.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just prior to Junction 22, I was in lane three of three when I passed a black Audi which was travelling in lane two” — PC Ree, Cheshire Police
- “As I drove past the Audi, I noticed that the driver had his mobile phone in his hand, he was holding it near the centre of his steering wheel, and the driver appeared to be watching something on the screen whilst he was driving at motorway speed.” — PC Ree, Cheshire Police
- “When it was safe to do so, I stopped the vehicle on the hard shoulder and I got out to speak with the driver who was the sole occupant of the vehicle and I asked the male to sit in the rear of my police vehicle.” — PC Ree, Cheshire Police
- “When it was safe to do so, I stopped the vehicle on the hard shoulder and I got out to speak with the driver who was the sole occupant of the vehicle and I asked the male to sit in the rear of my police vehicle.” — PC Ree, Cheshire Police
On-the-Ground Reports
Body-worn video captured the officer pulling Mamardashvili over, noting the phone’s position on the steering wheel, and showing the driver seated in the police vehicle’s rear compartment.
What's Next
Mamardashvili will serve the penalties while remaining with Liverpool.
