Footy prosecutions 'pointless' until Europe


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The Premier League says it would be “pointless” bringing new prosecutions for foreign satellite screenings at pubs until after the landmark legal case in Europe.

Hosts could still be prosecuted after European case is heard

However, Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson warned that action would be taken against licensees who use the systems after licensee Karen Murphy’s appeal is heard at the European Court of Justice.

Johnson was quizzed about foreign satellite football on Radio 4’s You and Yours show today, alongside Murphy’s solicitor Paul Dixon.

Johnson was asked whether licensees using foreign satellite systems would be accused of breaking the law until after the Murphy case is heard in around 18 months.

He said: “The difficulty is, until it’s settled at a European level, it would be pointless bringing UK prosecutions because the courts would merely refer them to the pending European judgement.”

Johnson was asked about licensees feeling they can use foreign satellites freely in the meantime.

He said: “I would caution them from doing that. As Paul [Dixon] said, both sides are seeking to expedite the process and as soon as it’s settled we will take action against those who are breaching the law.

“It doesn’t make it legal just because something is being settled at a higher court.”

A Premier League spokesman added: "Our enforcement is continuing and we will continue to prosecute when appropriate. We have prosecuted 18 publicans since 30 July 2008, all of whom pleaded guilty, and we have another 60 prosecutions in the pipeline for which summonses have been issued."

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