Paul Gascoigne charged with drink-driving

Former football player Paul Gascoigne leaves after a service of thanksgiving for Bobby Robson at Durham Cathederal, England September 21, 2009.

LONDON (Reuters) - Former England football star Paul Gascoigne has been charged with drink-driving after officers stopped him in Newcastle on Friday.

He will appear at the Newcastle Magistrates' Court on October 20, police said.

The 43-year-old former midfielder for teams such as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur has had problems with alcoholism since his retirement from the game, and is due to stand trial next month on a separate drink-drive offence allegedly committed in North Yorkshire in February.

Known as 'Gazza' to fans, Gascoigne last week was set to become the boss of the Garforth Town football club, in the Evostik First Division North League, but pulled out of the deal.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in the Jesmond area. He was charged with driving with excess alcohol."

(Reporting by Anna Yukhananov; Editing by Steve Addison)