Council chiefs are set to enforce a by-law making it illegal for Premiership stars to spit during matches.

They have dusted off legislation which states it is an offence to spit in a public building or place of entertainment - with a £20 fine for offenders.

An ancient by-law passed by the city of Newcastle states: "No person shall spit on the floor, side or wall of any public carriage or of any public hall, public waiting room or place of public entertainment.''

It is now set to be used to stop players spitting during matches at the city's St James's Park.

If the law is passed stars face the prospect of a fine after they leave the pitch.

Councillor Nick Forbes, who is chairman of the constitutional committee responsible for by-laws, raised the issue as part of a one-man anti-spitting crusade. He said: "If St James's Park isn't a place of public entertainment then I don't know what is.

"I am asking whether footballers spitting on the pitch is a contravention of the by-laws. If it is, the council clearly has a responsibility to do something about it. Depending upon their answer, I will be asking for some action.''

A council spokesman said: "Officers are currently researching the question.''

The club's medical staff say that spitting is a normal physiological mechanism associated with heavy physical exercise and players cannot be expected to stop.

"Exceptions have to be made in these circumstances though everybody would hope it would only happen in respect of heavy physical exercise,'' said a club official.

The Professional Footballers' Association says that players need to spit to clear their throats so they can breathe properly through 90 minutes of competitive sport.