Club Statement After Streakers Challenge Banning Orders

Newcastle United have released a press statement after both Steven Arkle (aged 21) and John Parkinson (aged 35) entered guilty pleas at Newcastle Magistrates Court yesterday. Both men admitted stripping and running onto the pitch in separate incidents against Atromitos and Bordeaux, respectively, at St James Park.

 Newcastle United head of security, Steve Storey said;

“I am pleased they pleaded guilty and we at the Club hope that they receive strong sentences. It is not just to punish them but also to act as a deterrent to others. People who think that selfishly running on the pitch is fun or funny should realise it is not. It’s a criminal offence which disrupts the game.

It offends thousands of people inside the stadium, particularly when they run on naked. It’s beamed live throughout Europe and it has brought embarrassment to the Club given it’s the first time we’ve been back in Europe for many years.

We will be actively seeking compensation through the court for the financial penalty imposed by UEFA and we are taking legal advice to consider taking civil action against both men. The Club are really disappointed that these two, who are not season ticket holders or Members of the Club, decided to carry out these acts. We hope that these two cases and the strong action the court and the Club are taking against both men, acts as a warning to anyone else who might consider doing similar in the future.”

The court has adjourned the case until mid December for sentencing, after both men challenged the banning orders, applied for by Northumbia Police.

The Club were fined €7000 for match day infringement during the Atromitos game, by UEFA, however, any sanctions imposed for the Bordeaux game are yet to be decided.