A prominent Premier League footballer has been banned from getting behind the wheel after racking up two serious speeding offences in just three months, with one incident seeing him clock nearly double the speed limit.
The Manchester-based player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was first caught driving at 96mph in a 50mph zone on the A34 in Cheshire last October. Just weeks later, he was snapped again exceeding speed limits on the M6 motorway.
Manchester Magistrates' Court heard how the athlete's legal team attempted to argue that losing his licence would cause 'exceptional hardship' due to his professional commitments. However, magistrates were unmoved by these pleas.
The Consequences
The court handed down a significant punishment package:
- A six-month driving ban
- Fines totalling £1,486
- £330 in court costs
- £594 victim surcharge
In addition to the driving prohibition, the player must complete an extended driving test before he can legally return to the roads.
A Pattern of Behaviour
Prosecutor Lorna Wincote revealed concerning details about the footballer's driving history. 'On October 26, 2024, the defendant was recorded driving at 96mph on the A34 in Cheshire, where the speed limit is 50mph,' she told the court.
'Then on January 19, 2025, he was caught again on the M6 where he exceeded the speed limit.'
The defence argued that the player needed his vehicle for training and match commitments, claiming a ban would disproportionately affect his career. However, magistrates found these arguments insufficient to avoid the mandatory disqualification.
The case serves as a stark reminder that professional status provides no immunity from road traffic laws, with the court emphasising that all drivers must adhere to the same safety standards.
