Fans caught in the TV net.

MORE than 200 Teesside football fans scored an own goal after being caught without a valid TV licence during Euro 2008.

In June, TV Licensing warned fans who tuned into the competition without a valid licence would face prosecution and fines of up to pounds 1,000.

Those who ignored the warning have been shown the red card, as the organisation revealed Middlesbrough is second in the licence-dodgers' league of shame for the North-east.

Charlotte Hancock, TV Licensing spokesperson for the region, said: "We know that Teesside is home to thousands of football fans, so, as the new football season kicks off we are urging anyone who's tuning in to watch their team to make sure they have a valid TV licence.

"We netted over 200 evaders on Teesside during the three weeks of Euro 2008, so we are urging people not to risk getting caught out yet again."

More than 1,110 evaders were caught in Middlesbrough during the first six months of this year.

A TV Licence costs pounds 139.50 and can be bought in minutes online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info or by phoning 0844 800 6732.

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Publication:	Evening Gazette (Middlesbrough, England)
Date:	Aug 22, 2008
Words:	192
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