ANY high-profile footballer out on the town socialising among friends can find himself a target. Jonathan Woodgate was no exception.

One man who contacted The Northern Echo told of a late night argument in which the footballer was taunted about his fame.

The man, who did not want to be named, said the incident had taken place in a pub in Middlesbrough town centre.

He said: "This lad had been drinking and went up to Woodgate to have a go at him.

"He told Woodgate he was lucky he had 'got the breaks' and began taunting him that he could have been a professional footballer just as easily."

But the man said Woodgate had his own response.

"He pulled a £50 out of his wallet and set it alight, saying 'Can you do that?' The other man just sloped off.