Newcastle defender Amar Dedic was questioned by police after a local resident reported seeing two people carrying a bow and arrows in the countryside near Newcastle upon Tyne.
The report prompted a large-scale response, with at least six police vehicles sent to the scene. Armed police units were among those involved in the operation.
Officers discovered that Dedic and a friend were the two people seen with the archery equipment. Police confiscated the bow and arrows before questioning both men.
The unusual incident was reported by Gazeta.Ru, which cited The Touchline.
Newcastle are currently 13th in the Premier League table.