Footballers will face no action

THREE Celtic footballers including ex-Town player Bobby Petta arrested after a fracas with a photographer during the club's Christmas party will not face any charges, police said.

The players had travelled to Newcastle for their night out, which turned sour after an incident allegedly involving a Daily Record photographer.

They had spent the evening drinking in pubs and bars before heading for a trendy American-themed bar near the Millennium Bridge at Gateshead.

The fracas centred around the alleged taking of the photographer's camera outside Buffalo Joe's nightclub.

A group of players were later arrested by police outside the plush Sea nightclub, a favourite haunt of footballers and celebrities.

A total of seven were interviewed and three - Belgian defender Joos Valgaeren, 26, Swedish midfielder Johan Mjallby, 31, and 28-year-old Dutchman Petta - were held overnight.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Napier said: "We carried out a full and thorough investigation into what was a serious allegation and submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"We have now been advised that no further action should be taken as there is insufficient evidence to support a prosecution.

"The management and players of Celtic FC have fully co-operated with our inquiries throughout."

Valgaeren, Mjallby, and Peta were all due to answer bail at Gateshead police station next week, but this has now been cancelled.