Footballers fined after going to the pub claiming to be in same household

The team was drinking in South Tyneside on Sunday night when a concerned staff member challenged them, only to be told by the men they were from the same household.

Unconvinced, the member of staff called police to report a breach of the coronavirus regulations, and officers arrived at the pub and issued the group with fines.

Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton, of Northumbria Police, 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.”

The force declined to name the football team, or the pub.