Celtic players still facing police questioning

Three Celtic players were still in custody tonight after a fracas at their Christmas party.

The players – Joos Valgaeren, Johan Mjallby and Bobby Petta – were being questioned by police in Newcastle over the alleged theft of a press photographer’s camera.

Northern Ireland international Neil Lennon was also arrested after the incident, which occurred shortly after midnight, but was later released without charge.

The midfielder was pictured in late editions of today’s Scottish Sun newspaper being led away from the scene by a police officer.

Lennon refused to comment on the incident today.

Players from the Glasgow club had spent the evening drinking in Newcastle pubs and bars as part of their annual festive bash before heading for an American-themed bar near the Millennium Bridge on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne.

The incident involved the alleged theft of a camera after players left Buffalo Joe’s showbar, where bikini-clad waitresses serve customers.

The players were later arrested by police outside the plush Sea night-spot on the Newcastle side of the river.

Tonight Belgian defender Valgaeren, Swedish midfielder Mjallby and 28-year-old Dutchman Petta were still being questioned at Gateshead East Police Station.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “The players were with the group from the club who were in Buffalo Joe’s on the Gateshead side of the river, as were a number of photographers.

“There was an incident of some sort. The players left the premises, then one of the photographers reported the theft of his camera to police.

“After investigations on the quayside of the river, a number of Celtic players were arrested for questioning and three remain in custody.”

Celtic confirmed the players had been in Tyneside last night for a Christmas party.

A spokeswoman said: “The players were in Newcastle for a night out. It would be fair to say they were there in an effort to avoid attention.

“We are still investigating what happened and won’t make any comment until we find out.”

She confirmed manager Martin O’Neill did not attend the team event.

Players from Celtic’s Old Firm rivals Rangers were also due to hold a night out in Newcastle yesterday, but the venue was changed to Liverpool, according to a spokeswoman for Rangers.

In a statement this afternoon, Daily Record editor Peter Cox said staff from the paper had been sent to spot players from the Glasgow clubs and a photographer had been involved in the incident.

He said: “My photographer made an initial statement to police and is being re-interviewed by officers today.”