Norwich launch disciplinary proceedings after Duffy hit with three-year driving ban

Duffy before the international friendly match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at the Aveiro Municipal Stadium

Norwich City say they will launch internal disciplinary proceedings after their Ireland international Shane Duffy was on Tuesday banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay more than £27,000.

The 32-year-old admitted a drink-drive charge following a two-vehicle crash on May 6 in Hethersett, near Norwich, pleading guilty at Norwich Magistrates' Court to driving a motor vehicle above the alcohol limit when arrested.

In evidence provided at the hearing, the court heard the Derryman had hit a stationary car before walking to a nearby house and asking if he could sit and wait for the police.

Magistrates were told he had a previous similar conviction nine years ago. Duffy was also ordered to pay a £25,000 fine, a £2,000 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

Norfolk Police confirmed said nobody was injured in the collision and that Mr Duffy "provided an evidential breath sample of 102mcg", above the legal limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

Duffy's solicitor, Chris Brown, issued an apology on his client's behalf in open court, stating that “given [Duffy's] role as a pro-sportsman", some people will believe he has a level of "privilege" and "arrogance" but that was not the case due to "unusual factors".

Elaborating, he outlined that Duffy made an immediate payout to the person whose car he hit “rather than leave it in the hands of the insurers” when he found out they used it to take their children to school.

Mr Brown also told magistrates the international player would "reflect on his drinking".

Following the ruling, Norwich City said it would launch internal disciplinary proceedings now the court case had concluded.

It said the club "notes today’s decision at Norwich Magistrates' Court regarding one of its first team players, Shane Duffy".

Duffy had made 36 starts since joining Norwich at the start of last season following the expiry of his contract at Fulham.

Injury ruled him out of the March internationals against Belgium and Switzerland but Ireland interim boss John O’Shea had no issue with selecting the 60-times capped centre-back in his his squad for the double-header friendly against Hungary and Portugal last month.