Pic: Media Image
RICKY MILLER says he owes Dover Athletic for keeping his life on track – after losing his home, his job and being forced to sign on after being wrongly accused of a racially motivated attack on a taxi driver earlier this year.
The 27-year-old was last week cleared of head-butting and abusing Mohammed Adnan following six months of investigations following Luton Town's end of season dinner.
Miller and Hatters team-mate Shaun Whalley were kicked out of Milton Keynes nightclub Pink Punters in the early hours of April 27 after a supposed altercation between the pair inside.
Despite their ejection, both players got into a cab together outside the venue where a number of the team had been partying until 4am.
Driver Adnan accused striker Miller of assault and making obscene racial remarks but the former Boston United player was found not guilty of all charges at Luton Crown Court.
Damage
Speaking to The NLP following his ordeal, the eight-goal Whites marksman revealed the extent of the damage done to his life in the past six months as he hit rock bottom.
Miller said: “After my arrest I was sacked by Luton Town. Everything just fell to pieces from that moment really.
“I had lost my job and because of that I lost my home. I couldn't pay my rent so I had to go. I then made a very difficult decision, I needed to sign on. It's not something I ever wanted to have to do but I was left with no alternative.
“It was embarrassing and demoralising. I was recognised a few times by football supporters, that was tough – but I needed to try and get by and get through things. I couldn't believe I had fallen to this level in life but I was determined to prove my innocence.
“Then I got the call from Dover. Unlike Luton, they said I was innocent until proven guilty. I can't tell you how much those words helped me. I was of the belief that in this country you aren't guilty until it's proven in a court of law that you're guilty.
“Luton didn't seem to agree with that, and they sacked me. Each to their own but I would have liked to have been supported. It would have been the right thing to do but they didn't.
“Dover manager Chris Kinnear was first class, as was the chairman Jim Parmenter and the supporters. I knew they had my back – their support was unbelievable.
“When the not guilty verdict was read out it was overwhelming. I remember looking at my mum and her expressions summed up everything I was feeling. Those horrible six months were over.
“Now I want to pay them back by winning promotion to the Football League. They've not seen the best of me and now this weight has been lifted they are going to see an even better player. They've not seen anything yet.”
The NLP approached Luton Town for reaction but the League Two club declined to comment.
