Villa star Bannan charged with drink driving

Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan has been charged with drink driving, and is due to face Magistrates in Nottingham on November 25th.

The Scotland international was involved in an accident in his Land Rover heading Southbound on the M1 at roughly 5.30am on Sunday October 23rd.

The 21-year-old man will answer charges of driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop after a road accident, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without due care and attention.

Police have revealed that a 20-year-old man involved in the crash who was arrested and bailed during the incident will not face charges; this is widely believed to be Shrewsbury Town striker James Collins.

Villa have refused to discuss the news, issuing a statement saying that they did not wish to comment at this stage.

Bannan was suspended by his club after the incident and played no part in Alex McLeish’s men’s 3-2 victory over Norwich in their last outing.

By Gareth McKnight