KEY POINTS:
Veteran midfielder Richard Johnson seems set to be cut from the Wellington Phoenix playing roster after being convicted of drink driving across the Tasman.
The 33-year-old was arrested in Newcastle in March.
The former Knights player's blood alcohol reading was four times above the legal limit, he failed to stop and was involved in a dangerous police chase.
He has been sentenced to eight months in prison with a six month non-parole period.
The Phoenix will not comment until Johnson's appeal is heard but a spokesman for the A-league has confirmed they will have no choice but to terminate the player's contract if his appeal fails.
All Whites keeper Mark Paston is shocked to hear of Johnson's run-in with the law, and says the news is extremely disappointing.
He says he knows Johnson, having played with him at the Knights last season, and he is very surprised to hear of his convictions.
Paston is currently with the All Whites in the UK as they prepare for their one-off test against Wales this weekend.
- NEWSTALK ZB
