Seven former Manchester United workers caught taking money from the tills celebrated outside court after they escaped jail.
Secret cameras were installed at an Old Trafford burger stand after bosses noticed takings were down, and the footage captured the casual employees helping themselves to the takings.
However Judge Paul Lawton questioned why the £598 theft case ended up at the crown court and asked: 'Manchester United can just about afford it, can't they?'
The seven defendants, who feared they would be locked up, smiled after they were each handed a 12-month conditional discharge.