Ex-Premier League Footballer Could Lose Licence After Birmingham Speeding Incident
Former West Ham United star Michail Antonio is facing a potential driving disqualification following allegations he exceeded speed limits in his Lamborghini on Birmingham's ring road. The 36-year-old footballer, who now plays professionally in Qatar, was summoned to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court but failed to attend the hearing on Wednesday, April 22.
Alleged Speeding Offences on City Roads
Prosecutor Lucy Allen detailed that cameras recorded Antonio's Lamborghini travelling at an average speed of 50mph on Leebank Middleway and Belgrave Middleway at 2:07am on March 1 last year, where the legal limit is 40mph. The vehicle was registered to Antonio's address in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
Police required Antonio to provide information about the driver's identity on April 4 last year, but he allegedly failed to comply with this legal obligation. While prosecutors offered no evidence on the speeding charge itself, they proceeded with the case regarding the failure to provide driver information.
Previous Driving Record and Current Consequences
The court heard that Antonio already had six penalty points on his licence for driving without insurance on December 7, 2024 - the same day he suffered a serious car crash in Epping Forest that resulted in a broken leg. This previous incident occurred just months before the alleged Birmingham speeding offence.
Court clerk confirmed that the new conviction means Antonio now faces disqualification under the totting-up procedure, where drivers accumulate penalty points that can lead to automatic bans. The Chair of the Bench noted they had "no details in regard to his income" since Antonio neither attended nor sent legal representation.
Case Adjourned for Sentencing
Magistrates found the prosecution case proved and adjourned sentencing until June 19 at the same court. Antonio, who left West Ham United after his contract expired, continues his football career overseas while this legal matter remains unresolved.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about speeding on Birmingham's road network, particularly on key routes like the ring road where variable speed limits aim to improve safety. Local authorities have implemented increased camera enforcement in recent years to address persistent speeding issues.
