Newcastle owner Mike Ashley may face licensing law rap after downing pint

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley could face a police rap after breaking licensing laws to drown his sorrows.

Millionaire Ashley, sat in his Newcastle shirt among the travelling Toon Army fans, was caught downing a pint during Setanta's live coverage of United's defeat at Arsenal.

But Ashley should not have been drinking alcohol within view of the pitch, which falls into line with licensing laws at Premier League grounds.

Ashley, whose shirt had King Kev 1 printed on the back, appeared to down his drink from his pint glass and then leave his seat five minutes before the end with Newcastle already losing.

Alcohol is on sale at Arsenal and other grounds but fans are not allowed to take drinks back to their seats.

Newcastle issued a statement which said: "Mike was offered a drink which he thought was non-alcoholic so he took it in good faith."

Arsenal confirmed they do not sell non-alcoholic beer in the stadium.