A FATHER has spoken out in defence of his footballing son who was cautioned by police following an incident with a child's "splat gun".

Promising striker Chris Brown, 19, was formally warned by police, along with fellow Sunderland players Ryan Bell and Sean Taylor, after pot shots were taken at pedestrians from a car.

His father, Chris, said his son was sorry about his actions but said reports that they had used converted firearms were wrong and the incident had been blown out of proportion.

Mr Brown said: "It was a toy, a Super Splat Gun, which had been bought for £10.

"It says it must not be sold to children under three. We are talking about a toy gun."

He added: "I am not excusing what they have done. They've been stupid, feel embarrassed by what they have done and are facing the consequences. But this whole episode has been blown out of all proportion.

"Reports that they were surrounded by armed police are untrue.

"When police arrested my son's two friends, he was at home. He drove to the police station to show them the splat gun. They were cautioned and told to get on their bikes."

The three players have been suspended and will be unavailable for selection for any Sunderland team until the club has concluded its own investigation.