FA Cup hat-trick hero escaped prison sentence for drug dealing offence

FA Cup hat-trick hero Regan Linney avoided a custodial prison sentence after being convicted of a drug-dealing offence in 2021. The 28-year-old banged in three goals for National League team Carlisle on Saturday as his side defeated Reading in the FA Cup first round.

Linney, who joined Carlisle from Altrincham in the summer, was named on the bench as his side went in search of a famous upset against their League One hosts. The former Premier League club appeared to have the match wrapped up midway through the second half as they took a 2-0 lead. But Linney had other ideas when he was introduced to the action in the 69th minute. And the hotshot striker bagged two goals in stoppage time before netting the winner in extra time to send his side through to round two.

Just over four years ago, Linney appeared before Preston Crown Court alongside two co-defendants and was convicted of being concerned in supplying a class B drug, according to the Lancashire Post.

Linney's defence lawyer told the court: "Mr Linney works full time as a kitchen fitter and part time as a semi-professional footballer, trains on a Tuesday and Thursday and he is required to play all around the country on Saturdays."

The footballer ultimately received a nine-month sentence, suspended for a year. He was also ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Simon Medland QC then explained: "You will understand you have brought yourself right in the line of fire for a sentence of custody. You've a promising career as a sportsman."

And addressing Linney and one of the other defendants, the judge added: "I say to you both, don't muck it up - you've got your whole lives ahead of you.

"I don't suppose you really want to go to prison but it's up to you."

At the time, Linney was playing for FC United of Manchester after joining the outfit from Bamber Bridge in 2019.

He secured a move to Altrincham in February 2023 and went on to contribute 43 goals and 11 assists in 92 appearances for the club.

And the prolific goalscorer was eventually snapped up by Carlisle after being named in the National League team of the season last term.

He is now managed by former Manchester City and Wales boss Mark Hughes, who began his reign in the Brunton Park dugout in February after losing his job as Bradford boss in October 2023.