Newcastle licensee facing court appearance over football scarf

A Newcastle licensee is facing a court appearance over an obscene football scarf displayed in her bar.

Yvonne Mann, who runs the city's Adelphi pub, is accused of possessing a scarf with the words "Sunderland are shite" on it.

The 42-year-old Newcastle United fan claims she removed the scarf when police visited the pub on a routine inspection, but she was then taken to a police station, questioned and charged with a section five public order offence.

The charge accuses her of using "threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour".

Mrs Mann said: "At first I was flabbergasted at what was happening but now I feel devastated. I could get a heavy fine and even lose my licence for this.

"I know a lot of Sunderland fans and they all see it as a joke. They're even willing to testify for me."

Her husband Terry said: "We've been in the trade for 11 years and have run this pub for four years. In all that time, we've had no trouble."

Yvonne intends to plead not guilty at the hearing, which is set for July 23 at Newcastle Magistrates Court.