Declan Rice Faces Driving Ban Amid Stellar Arsenal Performance

According to the Daily Mail, Declan Rice has been issued a six-month driving ban and fined after being caught speeding near his reported £3 million ($4 million) residence in Surrey in 2024.

The report indicates that the 26-year-old was recorded driving 37 mph in a 30 mph zone on the A217 on January 3, 2024. Just five days later, on January 8, he was again caught speeding, this time at 49 mph in a 40 mph zone on the same road.

As a result of a totting-up process, Rice has now accumulated 15 points on his driving license, leading to the suspension. In addition to the ban, he has been fined £2,185, which includes a £1,500 penalty, a £600 surcharge, and £85 in court costs.

Rice will be eager to ensure that this off-field incident does not distract him as he strives to maintain his impressive form with Premier League leaders Arsenal. After missing the Gunners’ significant 4-1 victory over title rivals Aston Villa due to a knee issue, Rice made a strong return by scoring two goals in the team’s 3-2 win against Bournemouth last Saturday.

In the lead-up to Thursday’s goalless draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, Rice shared his positive mindset with Sky Sports, stating he is currently “loving” his football. He mentioned, “Every game is approached with confidence and energy. At the beginning of the season, I felt I wasn’t at my best, but I have since improved. I strive to consistently perform well, understanding that competition at this club is fierce.”

As Arsenal aims to capture their first trophy since the 2019-20 season, they will kick off their FA Cup campaign this Sunday against Championship side Portsmouth. Ahead of the match, manager Mikel Arteta expressed a determined mindset, stating, “We want to win the FA Cup. That’s our objective; we will be judged on our performance this season.”

Arteta also provided an optimistic update on Kai Havertz’s recovery, indicating he may rejoin the squad in the coming days. However, Riccardo Calafiori will not accompany the team as he continues to recover from a calf injury.