Police arrest man after "unacceptable" footage of fan urinating on statue

Police have confirmed an arrest has been made following 'unacceptable' footage of a so-called Newcastle United fan urinating on a Sunderland statue.

Supporters of both North East rivals were appalled after footage emerged on Monday of the unsavoury incident outside the Stadium of Light. The 25-second clip appeared to show a man wearing a Newcastle United away shirt urinating on the statue dedicated to Bob Stokoe.

Stokoe is one of the few footballing icons celebrated on both Tyneside and Wearside, having lifted the FA Cup as a player with Newcastle United before leading Sunderland to the same trophy as a manager. The statue dedicated to him was unveiled outside the Black Cats' new home in 2006.

Northumbria Police has confirmed a 21-year-old man has been arrested in the aftermath of the viral social media video. A full investigation has been launched, and the force has urged everyone 'to refrain from anything that could jeopardise these live enquiries'.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show a man urinating on a memorial outside the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and a full investigation has been launched into the incident.

"A 21-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and remains in police custody at this time. We recognise that incidents of this nature can cause anger and frustration within our communities. We would ask everyone to please respect the ongoing investigation and refrain from anything that could jeopardise these live enquiries."

Newcastle United and Sunderland have both been approached for comment.