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Former Arsenal, Denmark forward Bendtner jailed 50 days for assault

Denmark v Republic of Ireland - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off: First Leg

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - NOVEMBER 11: Nicklas Bendtner of Denmark looks on during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off: First Leg between Denmark and Republic of Ireland at Telia Parken on November 11, 2017 in Copenhagen, . (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Former Denmark forward Niklas Bendtner has been sentenced to 50 days in jail and fined 1,500 kroner ($230) after being found guilty of assault.

Bendtner was charged with beating and kicking a cab driver in Copenhagen on Sept. 9. The 30-year-old Dane admitted hitting the man but said he had acted in self-defense after a quarrel over the fare.

[READ: U.S. Under-20s kick off World Cup qualifying with big win]

Denmark’s TV2 channel says the Rosenborg forward immediately appealed Friday’s ruling.

The cab driver, whose jaw was broken, was acquitted of violence but fined 3,000 kroner ($460) for using his telephone while driving and not wearing his seatbelt.

Bendtner, a former Arsenal and Juventus forward, has not been selected for his national team in recent months because of his poor shape.