A Sunderland pub has been banned from opening during derby matches with rivals Newcastle United FC at the city's Stadium of Light.

The new licensing condition was imposed by council chiefs after a Newcastle United shirt was burned in front of cheering fans at Idols Bar in August.

The police had wanted a ban on opening before all home games, but the council decided a partial ban was appropriate.

The bar owners, J I Entertainment, apologised for the incident.

A spokesman described the shirt-burning as a "moment of exuberance unsanctioned by the company."

Police wanted Idols in the city centre to stay closed during every Sunderland home match for the rest of the season, after what was described as a "dangerous and irresponsible act."

The hearing heard that the shirt was doused in paraffin and burned in the packed bar.

Fire brigade officials told Sunderland's licensing committee that an inspection after the August bank holiday incident found fire extinguishers at the pub did not work.

J I Entertainment said disciplinary action had been taken and experts brought in to deal with fire safety issues.

// posted by asteroiderz @ 3:18 am