A MAN has been arrested after a social media video appeared to show somebody "urinating" against a statue outside the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
Northumbria Police this morning confirmed a 21-year-old after footage first began circulating on TikTok, before making its way to Twitter at the weekend.
The footage shows a man appear to urinate against the statue of former Sunderland AFC manager, Bob Stokoe and has prompted outrage from football fans.
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In a statement, a force spokesperson branded the alleged behaviour as "totally unacceptable," saying a full investigation is now underway.
They said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show a man urinating on a memorial outside the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
“This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and a full investigation has been launched into the incident.
“A 21-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and remains in police custody at this time.
“We recognise that incidents of this nature can cause anger and frustration within our communities.
"We would ask everyone to please respect the ongoing investigation and refrain from anything that could jeopardise these live enquiries.”
The statue was erected in honour of the football legend, who was in charge of the famous 1973 FA Cup winning team and Sunderland manager between 1972 and 1976.
Read more: Bob Stokoe dies at 73
Mr Stokoe, who was born near Prudhoe in Northumberland and had also played for Newcastle United, passed away in 2004 at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
At the time of his death, Sunderland chairman at the time, Bob Murray said Mr Stokoe had been a good friend to him.
He said: "It is very sad news. He was a total friend to me. When he came to help the club after the Lawrie McMenemy era he was so accommodating.
"He tried valiantly to help the club. He had a great love for Sunderland. He was proud of his achievements in his career at Newcastle, but this club was in his heart."
A brief statement from Sunderland AFC was issued last night and said: “This matter has been referred to the police and we will not be making any further comment at this moment in time.”
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