West Bromwich Albion’s entire first team squad was interviewed by police after allegedly stealing a living as Premier League footballers.

West Midlands police told Football Burp the players – who have not been named, but it’s all of them – were interviewed but not arrested after the incident, which took place over the course of this season.

Suspicions were aroused when West Brom went on a run of just one win in 25 matches and the club is now conducting an internal investigation.

Baggies boss Alan Pardew said the players involved had broken a sacred trust, adding that he felt like “headbutting the lot of them”.

He said: “It wasn’t what we wanted.

“The lads have broken a sacred trust between players and manager, and I feel like headbutting the lot of them.

“It’s unclear quite how we allowed this to happen but in the meantime, if anybody fancies a game on Saturday, hit me up on WhatsApp.”