McGregor on the run as court date set

A Florida court has set the date for Conor McGregor’s arraignment hearing following the fighter’s arrest in Miami.

The UFC star allegedly smashed a fan’s phone at around 5am as they exited a hotel. It is alleged the Dubliner then picked up the device - valued at $1,000 - and walked away with it.

McGregor, 30, was arrested and charged with strongarm robbery and misdemeanour criminal mischief.

His case will now be heard in the Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County on April 10.

However, The Notorious will not have to appear at the hearing in person if he instructs his lawyer to submit a written not guilty plea on his behalf.

The former featherweight and lightweight world champion attempted to clear his head after his latest controversy by immediately going for a run after being released on bail.
 

First thing Conor McGregor did when he got out jail last night?

Went for a run.

(Via @Matt_Blouin3) pic.twitter.com/a9snEahCsZ

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 12, 2019

FAN ‘VERY SHAKEN AND UPSET’

According to the arrest report, McGregor and Ahmed Abdirzak, 22, were walking out of the Fontainebleau hotel on Miami Beach - which houses LIV nightclub - when Abdirzak attempted to take a photograph with his mobile.

Local police said McGregor slapped the phone out of Abdirzak’s hand and stomped on it several times. The star then picked up the phone and walked away, cops said.

Abdirzak’s brother, Noah, told The Sun his sibling was “very shaken and upset” by the incident.

“He’s a big fan of Conor McGregor. We both watch UFC. That is why he tried to take a picture of him,” Noah said.

Speaking from the family home in Slough, England, Noah said he was not sure if Ahmed had asked for McGregor’s permission before taking the photo.
 

MCGREGOR ‘CONTINUING TO WORK ON PATIENCE’

McGregor was released on bail and was pictured smiling as he left a police station in Miami dressed in a grey top with grey tracksuit bottoms and dark sandals.

His T-shirt read: “When I say something is going to happen, it’s going to happen.”

He later took to Instagram to tell fans that he “continues to work” on his patience.

Sharing a snap, he posted: “Patience in this world is a virtue I continue to work on. I love my fans dearly. Thank you all.”
 

McGregor has been on holiday with family in Florida to celebrate mum Margaret’s 60th birthday.

His lawyer Samuel Rabin told the Miami Herald the Irishman “was involved in a minor altercation involving a cell phone that resulted in a call to law enforcement. Mr McGregor appreciates the response of law enforcement and pledges his full co-operation”.
 

This article was originally published by The Sun and reproduced with permission