Fake soccer shirts seized

Real Newcastle United shirts go on sale on 23 May

A plot to swamp a city centre with hundreds of fake football shirts has been uncovered by Customs investigators.

The counterfeit Newcastle United shirts were made in Far East sweatshops and destined for car boot sales, market stalls and pubs.

But the secret consignment was seized at Newcastle Airport.

Customs officials arrested a man from Tyneside who may now face charges and a fine of up to £10,000.

He arrived early on Tuesday after flying from Thailand to Amsterdam and then on to Tyneside.

The club's new black and white strips, which show new sponsors Northern Rock, are not due on sale officially until 23 May.

Russell Cushing, chief operating officer for Newcastle United, said: "We are concerned fans may spend money on substandard goods and we would always encourage them to buy the real thing.

"We are also concerned about the effect it has on the economy and on jobs in this country."

People who smuggle in these goods are often doing so to fund a holiday

Dave Ellerington, Newcastle Trading Standards

Dave Ellerington, of Newcastle Trading Standards, said: "These are the first fake Newcastle United shirts we have seen and we are quite surprised.

"They are early because the strip is not on sale yet.

"The shirts would probably have been sold in pubs or markets for £5 or £10."

The real shirts will sell for about £40.

Mr Ellerington added: "People might think they are getting a bargain but they are buying inferior goods.

'Ready market'

"We have been surprised at the amount of counterfeit clothing that has been coming through often brought in by people travelling back from Thailand or Turkey.

"It is becoming more prevalent.

"People who smuggle in these goods are often doing so to fund a holiday or there is a known link to other smuggling such as cigarettes, tobacco and drug smuggling."

Those found smuggling goods can be prosecuted where they can be fined up to £10,000 under the Trademark Act 1994.

A Customs and Excise spokesman, said: "Customs officers seized 80 Newcastle United tops from a man at Newcastle Airport.

"There is a ready market for football tops in the North East and the majority are smuggled in from the Far East."