Manchester City and England goalkeeper Chiara Keating has appeared in court accused of possessing a can of nitrous oxide, also known as “hippie crack”.
Keating, 20, appeared in the dock at Manchester Magistrates’ Court alongside his mother, Nicola Keating, 48, who was co-charged with possession of a Class C drug, commonly known as laughing gas, in Manchester last month.
The footballer, dressed in a black pantsuit and trainers, spoke only to confirm his name and address. Asked to plead guilty to the charges, he replied “not guilty”, as did his mother.
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The charge is an “equivalent” offence and can be tried at the Crown Court before a magistrate or a jury. Both women chose to be tried before a magistrate. Prosecutor Jonathan Potter said the women were charged with possessing a canister of nitrous oxide with the intent to inhale illegally, which falls under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Keating, who comes from Ashton Old Road in east Manchester, made 22 league appearances for City, who finished runners-up to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League last season, keeping nine clean sheets. She previously played for Manchester United before being spotted by City scouts.
Keating was called up to the Lionesses for the first time last October and was selected in the final group for the recent Euro 2025 qualifiers but is yet to make her senior international debut. She first played for City as a 17-year-old in January 2022 and was the clear first choice player last season. Keating has previously played for England at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-23 level.
Nitrous oxide was designated a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in November last year as part of the government’s plan to tackle anti-social behaviour. It is illegal to possess nitrous oxide with the intent to inhale it illegally to obtain its psychoactive effects, but it is still possible to use the gas for legitimate reasons, such as catering or to relieve pain during childbirth.
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Magistrates granted unconditional bail to Ms Keating and her mother and adjourned the case at the same court until September 10 for a district judge to set a trial date.
