Paul Merson
Paul Merson was arrested following a car crash on the M40 in October. REUTERS

The former England and Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has been given a 14-month driving ban after pleading guilty to drink-driving following a motorway crash.

Merson was involved in a collision at about 3:15 BST on the 13 October 2011, and when the former Arsenal star was breath tested, he was found by police to have an illegal amount of alcohol in his system.

Merson, who is now a regular Sky Sports pundit, was also fined £1,500 over the incident.

The prosecution confirmed Merson was among several people who called the police and that the Arsenal legend had been "very frank" with the authorities following his arrest.

It was clear that he had got a head injury and he was very frank with the police," Prosecutor Philippa Cowley told the court, according to the BBC.

"He said that he had fallen asleep and had been at a charity do for children and had had a few drinks."

Police confirmed at the time of the incident that Merson was taken to hospital for a cut to his head, but he did not suffer any serious injuries.

Merson also had to pay £105 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The midfielder began his career at Arsenal in 1985, where he featured for the Gunners almost 300 times over 12 years.

He then moved onto Middlesbrough, Aston Villas, Portsmouth, Walsall and Tamworth, while accumulating 21 caps for the England squad.