Police appeal over derby day trouble

10:36am Friday 21st November 2008

POLICE are appealing for help in identifying a number of people in connection with trouble at the recent Wear Tyne derby.

The derby match took place on Saturday, October 25 and there were incidents before, during and after the game, including a pitch invasion on the final whistle.

"A number of public order and other offences were committed on the day, both inside the stadium and in the surrounding area," a Northumbria police spokesman said.

"Action has already been taken against 29 people arrested by police on match day and, as a result of a post match enquiry, further offenders have since been identified and arrested.

"The post match enquiry team has conducted an extensive review of CCTV and video footage of the day as well as hundreds of photographs taken of the disorder, resulting in the identification and arrest of a number of offenders."

Ch Supt Neil Mackay, of Northumbria Police Operations Unit, said: “The overwhelming majority of football fans are well-behaved and want nothing more than to attend games free from the fear of violence, disorder or other crime.

“Anti-social behaviour should not be tolerated and, by working alongside us, fans can help us to prevent those responsible from attending matches.

“We will act on any information received from the public to ensure that those involved in disorder are identified, put through the Courts and receive appropriate penalties and Banning Orders.

“I would appeal for the assistance of the public to identify those involved and send out a strong message that this sort of behaviour at a football match is unacceptable.

“Those attending football matches to cause disorder are attending for entirely the wrong reasons. True fans, whose first priority is the game itself, should continue to work with us to make football a safe and secure event for all concerned”.

Anyone who may know the identity of any person involved, or who has any information, is urged to contact 03456 043043, or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information.

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