Everton footballer Darron Gibson has been banned from driving after he hit a group of cyclists while drink-driving, reports BBC News.

The Republic of Ireland star ploughed into three cyclists who had stopped on a pavement to fix a chain on 16 August.

The 27 year old then struck a pump at a petrol station in Greater Manchester, Trafford Magistrates' Court heard.

The ex-Manchester United player pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, driving without due care and failing to stop after an accident.

The father-of-two told the court he was "embarrassed and sorry", adding: "I am extremely apologetic and it was completely out of character."

As he passed a letter to the bench from Everton's club secretary, Oliver Jarvis, defending, told the court Gibson had never had any disciplinary issues at the club.

The player was banned from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay compensation of £4,500 for the damaged bicycle and £1,000 to the injured biker Philip Quinn - plus £100 each to the other two cyclists.

He was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, with an unpaid work requirement of 200 hours.