Sunderland pair on criminal damage charge

Nicklas Bendtner – Arsenal (on loan at Sunderland) The Danish centre forward hasn’t made a big impact on loan at Sunderland, although it remains to be seen how he fits into new manager Martin O’Neill’s plans. However, high wage demands and less than cons (GETTY IMAGES)

Nicklas Bendtner and Lee Cattermole have been charged with criminal damage, after cars were allegedly vandalised close to the home of their arch rivals.

Northumbria police said the Sunderland team-mates, who both live in Ponteland, will face five charges of criminal damage relating to cars parked in Stowell Street in Newcastle's China Town.

The damage was alleged to have been caused at around 10pm on 6 December, two days after Sunderland lost 2-1 at Wolves. Bendtner, a 24-year-old Denmark international, is spending a year on Wearside on loan from Arsenal.

Both he and Cattermole, 23, have missed recent games due to injury. They will appear before Newcastle magistrates on 27 February.