BOSSES at Sunderland football club have defended the actions of their stewards after a Burnley fan was arrested after smoking at a match.

Clint Shackley, 35, of Dale Close, Burnley, was arrested and fined £60 after swearing at a steward who told him he could not spark up during the match on November 29 last year.

The Clarets fan claimed he had been treated harshly by heavy-handed stewards.

However, a spokesman for Sunderland FC, nicknamed the Black Cats, said yesterday: "Smoking is not permitted in the Stadium of Light's seating decks. Mr Shackley was initially warned by a steward for failing to adhere to this regulation. If a supporter continues to smoke they can be ejected from the stadium for a breach of ground regulations.

"It would appear Mr Shackley began to argue with the steward, using foul and abusive language. There was a police officer present who deemed it necessary to arrest Mr.Shackley for his behaviour. The arrest was for a public order offence, not for smoking.

"SAFC is committed to providing a safe and friendly environment for all supporters and we do not tolerate anti-social behaviour."