An arrest warrant has been issued for the arrest for Fulham centre back Zat Knight after he failed to turn up at court over driving offences.

Sutton Coldfield magistrates issued the warrant without bail for Knight after he failed to appear last week to answer charges of driving while banned and without insurance.

The 23-year-old 6ft 6in Erdington-born player could not be contacted for comment yesterday but a spokesman for Fulham FC said: ‘It would not be appropriate for the club to comment on the allegations made against the player Zat Knight until current legal proceedings have been fully resolved.’

Knight was pulled over by traffic police in Gravelly Hill, Erdington, in the early hours of Monday September 15. He had turned out for the London club’s Premiership draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s the previous day.

Knight was quizzed by officers at Queen’s Road police station and bailed to appear at court for alleged driving offences under his full name, Nathan Zatyiah Knight.

Sutton Coldfield magistrates confirmed an arrest warrant without bail was issued, and West Midlands Police is understood to be liaising with officers near Knight’s Wimbledon home to enforce the warrant.

Two years ago, as he emerged as a first team player, Knight told how he moved to Fulham to escape a life of crime.