Sunderland pub agrees to pay costs over 'pirate' Premier League football screening

The Mountain Daisy in Hylton Road, Millfield, Sunderland, has agreed to pay costs in a legal action after it was accused of showing 'pirate' streams of live games.

The Premier League issued proceedings in a civil claim against Neosat, a business accused of supplying broadcast systems which allow games to be shown illegally.

It is the fourth supplier the Premier League has taken civil legal action against in the last 12 months – with more set to follow.

Two other suppliers were recently subject to criminal action and custodial sentences were secured against individuals involved in both cases.

In a separate development, the Premier League will receive costs in excess of £100,000 as part of a wave of civil actions and settlements in late 2015 and early 2016.

In all cases the pubs were broadcasting unauthorised foreign broadcasts of the League’s football matches.

The Mountain Daisy agreed to pay costs of £6,750, while another North East pub, The Crown in Gateshead, was ordered by the High Court to pay £6,500.

A spokesman for the Premier League said: “The feedback we have had from publicans in recent years is that we should be focussing on suppliers.

"We have listened and Neosat will be the fourth major supplier we have taken civil action against in the last 12 months.

“The actions against suppliers and pubs in recent weeks and months make it absolutely clear that there are huge risks for pubs when they enter into contracts with suppliers other than a commercial subscription with Sky Sports and BT Sport.

“Our message to pubs is clear: Don’t take the risk and call Sky and BT to find out about their latest offers for commercial premises in the UK."