Drink-driving ban for Bannan

Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan was banned from driving for 18 months yesterday after admitting four offences – including driving with excess alcohol – following a motorway crash last month.

The Scotland international was also fined £4,500 at Nottingham magistrates' court.

Bannan, 21, crashed his Range Rover Sport on the southbound carriageway of the M1 near Watnall, Nottinghamshire, at around 5.30am on 23 October. He was charged with drink-driving, failing to stop after a road accident, driving without due care and attention, and driving on a provisional licence.

The court heard the footballer was almost twice the legal limit.