Sunderland defender Ferdinand arrested

Premier League footballer Anton Ferdinand walked into a police station and was arrested today after he missed a court hearing for a driving offence.

The Sunderland defender failed to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Monday and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Northumbria Police said the England captain’s brother walked into Pilgrim Street police station in Newcastle city centre this morning and was arrested.

His case was put before the city magistrates, who adjourned his case until October 27.

Last night his club released a statement which said the player was “keen to clear up any misunderstanding”.

At a previous hearing he was convicted of driving while using a mobile phone and is facing a ban because he already had nine points on his licence.

The offence 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 to catch a flight ahead of a pre-season friendly.