Sunderland player arrested hours before match

Gibson is injured, and was not due to feature in the match, but it is believed he would have been at the Stadium of Light to watch proceedings. 

Reports suggested he was over the legal limit and he caused considerable damage to stationary vehicles as he lost control of his own. Gibson has previously served a 20 month ban for drink driving offences and will likely face serious charges if found guilty this time. 

In a statement, Northumbria Police said: "A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst over the legal alcohol limit and he is currently in police custody and inquiries are ongoing.

"The arrest follows the report of a car colliding with a number of parked vehicles on Dovedale Road in Sunderland at about 11.55am today."

Sunderland lost the match against Preston 0-2 and are rooted to the bottom of the Championship. They are facing a second consecutive relegation after they crashed out of the Premier League last season.