Fines for drinking footballers

TWELVE members of a football team have been fined by police after drinking in a pub together despite coronavirus restrictions.

The team were out in South Tyneside on Sunday night when a concerned staff member challenged them but they claimed to all be from the same household.

Staff called police to report the breach and officers subsequently issued the men with fines.

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton said: “This group showed a flagrant disregard for the rules which are in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Actions like this undermine the efforts being made by the majority of others in order to protect themselves, their family, friends and wider communities.

“We will continue to work closely with our communities and offer advice to people who have mistakenly broken the restrictions.

“However, as we have made clear, where individuals are choosing to ignore the measures in place, we are committed to taking enforcement action to protect our communities.

“It’s important we all continue to play our part and follow the restrictions.”

Northumbria Police said it will not release the name of the football team involved.