England and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is reportedly at the centre of a police investigation after a brawl broke out at a pub in South Tyneside on Sunday.
According to The Sun, Pickford was with friends at the Beggar's Bridge pub at East Boldon, when he was mocked for having 'little arms' by another group.
Pickford's friends were said to be 'furious' and a fight broke out, with one man left with a broken nose and another with a smashed phone after filming the incident.
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Police were called to the pub around 9pm on Sunday but Pickford and his friends had already left.
There is no suggestion that the Everton goalkeeper assaulted anyone during the incident.
A witness told The Sun: “He was getting goaded, like they do. All I heard was 'little arm' and then that's it. It kicked off. It happened as soon as they walked in.
“They hadn't even had time to get a drink. One lad suffered a broken nose.
“Pickford wasn't hurt at all. He was out of the door as soon as it kicked off. Pickford's group left by minibus before the police came.”
No arrests have been made and a police investigation is ongoing.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of a disturbance at the Beggar’s Bridge pub.
“It was reported that a fight broke out between two groups of males inside the premises. An investigation is ongoing.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police.”
The incident comes just days after a Newcastle fan mocked former Sunderland goalkeeper Pickford by dressing up as a T-Rex in their match against Everton at St James’ Park.
Newcastle would go on to win the match 3-1 on Tuesday.
Everton’s local rivals Liverpool have also mocked Pickford in the past with a chant which includes the lyrics: “He couldn’t touch the cross bar, he’s only got little arms.”
It became popular with Liverpool supporters after an error from Pickford gifted Divock Origi a bizarre late winner in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in 2018.
Topics: Everton, Jordan Pickford, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan