Amar Dedic became the subject of an unusual police operation on Wednesday after he was seen carrying a bow and arrows at a natural site in Northumberland, north of Newcastle. The Newcastle defender was accompanied by another man when a member of the public contacted police over concerns about what they had seen.
At least six patrol vehicles, including unmarked cars, were reportedly deployed. Dedic and his companion were later stopped several kilometres away at an affluent estate, where the player’s vehicle was searched and the bow and arrows were seized.
The 24-year-old, who previously played for Marseille and arrived at Newcastle from Benfica this summer, was questioned about his intentions. The immediate misunderstanding was reportedly settled after the equipment was described as being for recreational use and not a genuine danger to the public.
However, the matter has not been fully closed. Police are still examining what the two men intended to target, with bow hunting prohibited in the United Kingdom regardless of the animal or bird involved. No disciplinary action against Dedic is currently expected, and he should remain available for Newcastle’s Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday.
