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.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. Facing arrest: Anton Ferdinand in action for Sunderland against Arsenal last monthFerdinand, 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.A spokesman for Northumbria Police confirmed the warrant without bail had been issued for the £6million defender's arrest.This means that when he is traced by officers he can be held in court cells before being produced to face magistrates.The force spokesman said: 'There has been no arrest at this stage. A warrant has been issued and we are aware.'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.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.A Sunderland spokesperson said: 'Anton denies receiving any correspondence in relation to this matter and is keen to clear up any misunderstanding.'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.' Backing the bid! Premier League managers lend their support to 2018England's 2018 bid could be sabotaged by dodgy deals and dirty tricksSUNDERLAND FC

Source: Daily_Mail