Arsenal midfielder Rice banned for six months over driving infraction

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been handed a six-month driving ban and ordered to pay a £2,185 fine after being caught speeding twice near his Surrey home.

The off-field setback comes during a period of strong form for the England international with Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The 26-year-old was caught speeding on two occasions on the A217 close to his reported £3 million mansion in Surrey.

Rice was first clocked driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone on January 3, before being recorded again just five days later at 49mph in a 40mph zone.

Both offences were committed in his £40,000 Land Rover and proved costly due to the totting-up system. Having already accumulated six points on his licence, the two incidents took Rice to 15 points, resulting in an automatic six-month driving ban.

He was also ordered to pay £2,185, comprising a £1,500 fine, a £600 surcharge, and £85 in court costs, following the ruling. The punishment caps a frustrating episode away from the pitch for the former West Ham United captain.

Despite the ban, Rice will be keen to ensure the issue does not distract him as Arsenal continue their title push. After missing the Gunners’ emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa with a knee complaint, he returned in style by scoring twice in a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, Rice stressed his confidence and mindset. “I’m loving my football at the moment,” he told Sky Sports. “When I’m going on the pitch, I’m full of confidence, full of energy.”

Reflecting on his season, he added: “At the start of the season, I probably wasn’t at my best, but I wasn’t too worried — I knew I’d pick it back up.”

Rice also highlighted the competitive standards at the club, saying: “Nothing’s ever guaranteed here, so you have to be on it every single day and every single week just to keep your place.”