Sudan, anyone?

Paul Carberry can think himself lucky. Okay, so the Irish Turf Club referrals committee just handed him a 30-day ban and his employer, trainer Noel Meade, has told him he is fast running out of "second" chances, but it could be worse. He could work in Sudan.

Carberry is a barmy character. One of the finest talents of his generation, the Grand National-winning jockey and archetypal party beast is also prone to bizarre behaviour. In 2003, he was forced to miss a week of racing after being headbutted by a stag while out hunting; two years later, he was arrested for setting fire to a newspaper when travelling on an Aer Lingus flight from Spain to Dublin.

His latest brush with authority is due to his penchant for a drink - or lots of drink, to be more accurate. When he arrived to ride at Naas last month, the pre-race breathalyser did for him. It was his second such infraction, following on from a violation at Galway in 2007, and the powers that be were seemingly not amused. As well as the 30-day ban, Carberry was hit with a 5,000euro fine.

Meade has gone on record to say that the punishment is harsh. Carberry has expressed his disappointment, as well as a determination to beat his drink problem.

But it really could have been worse. He could have been sentenced to 40 lashes!

That is the punishment awaiting Nigerian footballer Stephen Worgu should his impending appeal fail. The pocket-sized striker has fallen foul of the Islamic shariah law that holds sway in Omdurman, northern Sudan, where he plays for powerhouse club Al Marreikh.

Worgu was convicted of drink-driving and sentenced to a flogging. He must also pay a fine of 250 Sudanese pounds. 50 pounds of the fine is for drinking alcohol, which is illegal in the muslim north, and 200 pounds for driving while under the influence.

I'm certainly not excusing Worgu's actions, but as Carberry reflects and no doubt engages in some self-flagellation, he might spare a thought for Stephen Worgu.