Celtic players released after inquiry

Three Celtic players arrested after a fracas at the club’s Christmas party were tonight released on bail, police said.

Bobby Petta, Johan Mjallby and Joos Valgaeren were attending the Glasgow club’s party on Tyneside on Tuesday night when they were allegedly involved in a fracas outside a trendy night spot.

It was claimed that a press photographer’s camera was stolen during the incident outside the plush Sea nightspot on the Newcastle side of the river.

The footballers spent almost 18 hours in police custody at Gateshead East police station.

Northumbria police said the three had been questioned in connection with an allegation of robbery before being released on police bail.

A police spokeswoman said: “Three persons arrested in relation to the incident have been bailed to attend Gateshead East police station between 1 and 2pm on March 24, 2003.”

The players left the police station shortly before 9pm in a white people carrier with their heads covered by coats.

A spokeswoman for Celtic FC said the players were heading back to Glasgow tonight in the company of club officials.