Football rivalry 'no excuse' for anti-social behaviour from 'fans'

TOP COP WARNS ANYONE WHO USES THE GAMES TO COMMIT CRIME COULD BE BANNED FROM MATCHES

- By SOPHIE DOUGHTY Crime reporter

SO-CALLED fans that use the North East's famous football rivalry to cause bother are not welcome in our cities. That's the view of the top cop who will be at the helm of operations to police the always tense clashes between Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC this season.

And, as Northumbria Police gears up for policing the first premier league Tyne-Wear derbies for a number of years, the force's policing lead, Chief Supt Mark Hall, has warned that anyone who sees the games as an excuse to commit crime could see themselves banned from games.

Matches between Newcastle United and Sunderland have historically attracted disorder and resulted in numerous arrests. But recent fixtures have passed more peacefully after Northumbria Police changed the way it handled matchday policing, and as rifts between the two sets of fans were healed following the MH17 plane tragedy.

While Chief Supt Hall is hoping this atmosphere can continue, he is warning that anyone causing trouble could face serious consequences, with both police and football clubs taking action.