Sunderland footballer Anton Ferdinand is arrested
- Published
Sunderland footballer Anton Ferdinand has been arrested after failing to turn up for a court appearance.
The defender was due before Newcastle magistrates on Monday for sentencing after being convicted of using a mobile phone while driving in July.
The 25-year-old brother of England captain Rio faces a driving ban as he already has nine points on his licence from a previous offence.
The player handed himself in to officers in Newcastle on Wednesday.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said Mr Ferdinand remained in custody after reporting to the city's Pilgrim Street police station by prior appointment.
Sunderland Football Club claimed the player had not received notification of the court appearance and dismissed the matter as a "misunderstanding".
A spokesman said: "The club is liaising with Northumbria Police in order to resolve this quickly. "
Ferdinand was convicted after being seen using a mobile phone while driving his white Range Rover in Newcastle on 13 July.
He was travelling from his home at Baltic Quays in Gateshead to Newcastle Airport.
The England Under-21 international joined Sunderland from West Ham in August 2008 and has played more than 50 times for the Black Cats.
The case has been adjourned until 27 October.
- Published12 October 2010