Man City & Lionesses goalkeeper Khiara Keating pleads not guilty to drug possession charge

Keating and her mother Nicola were both charged with possession of a Class C drug back in June following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police, per the BBC. The two appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to possessing canisters of nitrous oxide.Magistrates granted the pair unconditional bail, with a further hearing to be held on September 10 where a trial date will be set.

Keating has been charged with possession of nitrous oxide canisters for wrongful inhalation, which is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, was classified as a Class C drug last November, although it can be used for legitimate reasons, including for pain relief in medical settings, in manufacturing and in the catering industry.

Keating currently plies her trade for Manchester City and was part of the side that finished as runners-up behind Chelsea last season in the Women's Super League. The goalkeeper played a key role for City, keeping nine clean sheets and becoming the youngest player to win the Golden Glove award in the Women's Super League. Keating is also part of the England squad and was called up by Sarina Wiegman for the team's most recent Euro 2025 qualifiers against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

Keating and Manchester City are due to fly to Australia for a pre-season visit ahead of the start of the new Women's Super League season. City will kick off their campaign against Arsenal on the weekend of September 21-22.