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Rio Ferdinand stripped of his driving license after being caught speeding at 85mph

The ex-England centre-half was captured travelling in a new Mercedes at 85mph on the A27 dual carriageway in Hove on July 22 in 2019 - and has now been stripped of his license.

The Manc The Manc - 18th August 2020
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Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has been banned from driving for six months.

The ex-England centre-half was captured travelling in his new Mercedes at 85mph on the A27 dual carriageway in Hove on July 22 in 2019 – and has now been stripped of his license.

Ferdinand, 41, had already amassed nine driving penalty points before the incident.

This latest offence has added a further three points to his record, triggering an automatic driving disqualification.

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Appearing at Crawley Magistrates Court this morning (18 August), Ferdinand said a ban would cause “exceptional hardship” in his life, as he needed to transport his three children to school.

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He also argued that private transportation was challenging due to coronavirus, with his pregnant wife unable to drive.

However, magistrates upheld the ban, telling Ferdinand: “Unfortunately COVID has affected everybody in the world the same way.”

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This is not the first time Ferdinand – who spent 12 years at Old Trafford – has been suspended from the roads.

The five-time Premier League winner had his license taken away in 1997 for drink-driving, and was also punished for being caught speeding in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

Ferdinand’s latest driving offence will land him another six-month suspension.

He has also been told to pay a total of £822 in fines and costs.