Ranger kicked his girlfriend’s back door in because he feared she was being kidnapped, a court heard.

A charge of criminal damage against the striker was dropped after a court accepted his explanation.

His reason amounted to “lawful excuse”, his lawyer said, and Ranger, 21, was formally found not guilty at Enfield Magistrates’ Court in London.

The striker was bound over to keep the peace for a year and warned if he doesn’t keep his nose clean, he faces a fine of one week’s wages – or £3,500. Ranger was arrested on September 23 after his girlfriend of two years, Shakira Bicar, called police, thinking someone was breaking in.

He smashed her door off its hinges, causing £2,500 worth of damage, which he has since offered to pay, and was charged with criminal damage.

Rebecca Nieto, defending, said: “Mr Ranger was in a club when he was told by a friend there was a kidnap threat made to his girlfriend.

“He was worried and attended her address. All the lights were off, and after knocking a few times, he decided to kick the door through.”

Ranger (who is NOT pictured right) declined to comment afterwards.