Tesco refuses to serve Paul Gascoigne

Paul Gascoigne was refused service at a Tesco checkout as he attempted to purchase alcohol yesterday, according to a report.

The troubled ex-footballer is said to have headed to buy two bottles of wine and four cans of cider just minutes after being formally cautioned by police following an accusation of criminal damage. Gazza allegedly smashed a mobile phone belonging to an autograph hunter at his local pub earlier this week.

A female Tesco worker reportedly declined to serve the 41-year-old after he took the booze to her checkout. The supermarket giant later backed her decision, explaining in a statement: "Alcohol should only be sold to suitable customers."

A fellow patron told the Daily Star: "I couldn't believe it was Gazza. He looked in a shocking state, reeking of booze and hardly able to speak."

Gascoigne vowed to give up on alcohol after being discharged from rehab in July, but he started drinking again just days later.