Anton Ferdinand facing arrest

London - Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand could be facing arrest after failing to turn up for a court appearance on Tuesday.

Ferdinand 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.

He is facing a driving ban, having already accumulated nine points on his licence, but having failed to show he could also be held in custody pending his court appearance.

"There has been no arrest at this stage. A warrant has been issued and we are aware," said a police spokesman.

The offence in question occurred on the morning of July 13 when Ferdinand 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.