LuaLua joined Newcastle United for £2.2m

Newcastle United striker Lomana LuaLua, 23, admitted the offence to magistrates and was fined £175, a spokeswoman for the TV Licensing Authority said.

He did not attended the hearing before Newcastle magistrates.

The Democratic Republic of Congo striker was signed from Colchester United for £2.25m three years ago, after reputedly being discovered by the Essex club playing football on Hackney Marshes.

But the exuberant forward, whose trademark goal celebration of somersaults delights crowds at St James' Park, has recently fallen out of favour with manager Sir Bobby Robson.

In a statement the licensing authority said: "Everyone is treated equally.

"Anyone who is caught installing or using television equipment to receive broadcasting services is breaking the law and risks prosecution.