Chelsea player faces drink-drive charge

(GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea football star John Obi Mikel was arrested for suspected drink-driving, it emerged today.

The 21-year-old was reportedly stopped by police at 5.30am on Saturday when driving his Range Rover near the club's ground in London's Fulham Road.

Hours later his team beat Ipswich 3-1 at home in the FA Cup fourth round, although Mikel was not part of the match day squad.

The Nigerian midfielder, who lives in Weybridge, Surrey, and reportedly earns £40,000 a week, has since been charged with driving while over the drink-drive limit, and will appear in court in April.

He faces a year's driving ban or a jail term if the offence is deemed exceptionally serious.

A Chelsea spokesman told The Sun: "We are aware (Mikel) was arrested and charged. we want to establish the facts before we comment."

The player is due to appear at West London Magistrates Court on 3 April.