Trio on BBC-funded trip to Euro 2008 arrested after they were found with stolen tickets

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The group were questioned by police in Zurich after trying to get into Italy’s match with France in the tournament’s group stages earlier this month.

They were released without charge after it was established they had not stolen the tickets, which had gone missing from a hotel room in the city.

Euro 2008 tickets: A spokesman insisted the tickets were bought from a reputable agency

BBC Magazines confirmed that three members of their party – which was made up of three of the corporation’s staff and five clients from advertising agency ZenithOptimedia, funded by Match Of The Day magazine – had been arrested.

But a spokesman insisted that the tickets had been bought from a ‘reputable corporate hospitality agency’.

Last night, one insider called the incident ‘deeply embarrassing’ after it was revealed the rest of the group, who were also refused entry into the game, were forced to watch the match on TV as Italy beat France 2-0.

‘It’s common practice for advertising sales people to entertain their clients – but usually they don’t get arrested in the process. It was hugely embarrassing for the BBC. They’ve kicked up a huge fuss with the ticket agency.’

The agency – which has not been named – is understood to have refunded the £2,000 cost of the trip and to have paid compensation.

Fans of Spain dance in central Vienna today prior to the final of the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships between Germany and Spain which will be played in Vienna tonight