This is regarded more as a natural law than anything offensive in much of Newcastle, but three customers of Yvonne Mann, 42, did not see it that way. They were officers of Northumbria police carrying out an alcohol licence check at the pub, which was described in court as "a haunt of the more unruly elements among Newcastle United's fans".
Simon Worthy, prosecuting, conceded that the chances of a Sunderland supporter wandering into the Adelphi and being "stirred into hatred" were slim, but the scarf's message had been visible through the windows. Indeed, Sergeant Ray Smith had first spotted it from the street outside, which is inappropriately named after Shakespeare', reports the Guardian.
The ridiculous but fittingly named Mr Worthy, said the display was a breach of public order because "it could have caused offence to members of the public walking by".
The magistrates fined Mrs Mann £400 with £180 legal costs. The scarf was forfeited as a threatening, abusive or insulting sign likely to cause harrassment, alarm or distress - and is to be destroyed.
Can they read in the North East then?