Sunderland pub ordered to close for derby football matches

A Sunderland pub has been banned from opening when Sunderland Athletic football club plays arch North-east rival Newcastle United after a shirt-burning incident in August.

The condition was imposed on the Idols Bar by the local council after a Newcastle shirt was doused in paraffin and set on fire in front of cheering "Black Cat" fans.

Police wanted the pub to stay shut for every Sunderland home game but the local authority ruled that it should only close for Newcastle derby matches.

Bar owner JI Entertainment apologised for the incident, describing it as a "moment of exuberance unsanctioned by the company".

Sunderland AFC website >>

Newcastle United FC website >>

By Tom Bill

E-mail your comments to Tom Bill here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week -