Man caught illegally selling Man Utd scarves fined

A licence is needed to sell football scarves, the council says

A man who illegally sold Manchester United scarves to fans on matchdays has been fined.

Andrew Lowe, 52, of Wythenshawe, Manchester, was caught selling them twice at Old Trafford Metrolink station.

The first time was before United's match against Real Sociedad in March when he was warned he could not trade without a licence. But he was then caught selling scarves for £15 in May for the Reds' clash with West Ham.

Lowe pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates' Court to two offences of illegally street trading and he was fined £200 and ordered to pay £40 victim surcharge and £100 costs.

Trafford Council said Lowe tried to bundle the scarves he was selling back into his holdall.

When he was questioned by a council officer, Lowe, of Peel Hall Road, made threats and argued, the authority added.

Councillor Rose Thompson said: "Mr Lowe was warned but took no notice. When questioned, he was abusive to our officer.

"We work hard to protect legitimate traders who follow the rules and we do not tolerate this sort of behaviour."