Source: Daily_Mail
Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand facing arrest after failing to show up in court
Anton Ferdinand faces being arrested and held in custody after he failed to turn up for a court appearance.[LNB]The Sunderland defender was due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Monday after being convicted of driving while using a mobile phone, but he never arrived and a warrant was issued for his arrest.[LNB] Facing arrest: Anton Ferdinand in action for Sunderland against Arsenal last month[LNB]Ferdinand, brother of England captain Rio, is facing a driving ban due to the fact he already had nine points on his licence when he was caught using the handset behind the wheel.[LNB]A spokesman for Northumbria Police confirmed the warrant without bail had been issued for the £6million defender's arrest.[LNB]This means that when he is traced by officers he can be held in court cells before being produced to face magistrates.[LNB]The force spokesman said: 'There has been no arrest at this stage. A warrant has been issued and we are aware.'[LNB]The offence in question occurred on the morning of July 13 when Ferdinand was seen in his white Range Rover on Newcastle's Central Motorway.[LNB]He was travelling from his home at Baltic Quays in Gateshead to Newcastle International Airport, where he needed to catch a flight ahead of a pre-season friendly.[LNB]A Sunderland spokesperson said: 'Anton denies receiving any correspondence in relation to this matter and is keen to clear up any misunderstanding.[LNB]'The club is liaising with Northumbria Police and Anton will surrender himself to Newcastle Magistrates Court as soon as is possible, in order to resolve this quickly.'[LNB] Backing the bid! Premier League managers lend their support to 2018England's 2018 bid could be sabotaged by dodgy deals and dirty tricksSUNDERLAND FC
