Sunderland player apologises for paintball prank

Sunderland midfielder Niall Flynn has apologised after being fined for his part in an incident in which paintball guns were used in public.

The 18-year-old Dubliner has been fined the maximum amount allowed – two weeks’ wages – and ordered to undertake 60 hours’ community service for the City of Sunderland Council after an internal disciplinary investigation, during which the teenager was suspended.

“I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions,” Flynn said. “I realise what I did was wrong and I have learnt some valuable lessons.

“My behaviour was immature and I am extremely embarrassed by my actions. I now recognise the seriousness of what I did and I would like to stress that at no time was my intention to cause anyone any harm.

“Like the rest of the players, I am concerned about how I’m perceived by the club’s supporters and the people of the region.

“By taking part in community service, I will be giving something back the people of the city and I am therefore very happy to do this.

“I hope this will help to motivate others involved in the projects and help to alleviate some of the negative perceptions people might now have.”