Warrant issued for Ferdinand after court snub

A warrant for the arrest of Sunderland footballer Anton Ferdinand issued Tuesday after the Black Cats defender failed to appear in court for a driving offence.

Ferdinand, whose brother Rio was captaining England against Montenegro at Wembley later Tuesday, had been due to appear before Newcastle Magistrates Court where he was expected to face a driving ban.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police confirmed a warrant without bail had been issued for the 25-year-old defender’s arrest after the no-show.

“There has been no arrest at this stage. A warrant has been issued and we are aware,” the spokesman said.

Ferdinand was charged after allegedly being caught using a mobile phone while driving his Range Rover in July.