Three Celtic players arrested after a reported fracas with a photographer during the club's Christmas party will not face any charges, police said today.
The squad had travelled to Newcastle for their night out, which turned sour after an incident involving a Daily Record photographer.
They had spent the evening drinking and the fracas centred around the alleged taking of the photographer's camera outside Buffalo Joe's nightclub.
A group of players were later arrested by police outside the plush Sea nightclub, a favourite haunt of footballers and celebrities.
A total of seven were interviewed and three - Belgian defender Joos Valgaeren, 26, Swedish midfielder Johan Mjallby, 31, and 28-year-old Dutchman Bobby Peta - were held overnight.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Napier said: "We carried out a full and thorough investigation into what was a serious allegation and submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.
"We have now been advised that no further action should be taken as there is insufficient evidence to support a prosecution.
"The management and players of Celtic FC have fully co-operated with our inquiries throughout."
Valgaeren, Mjallby, and Peta were all due to answer bail at Gateshead police station next week but this has now been cancelled.