Fans arrested after local derby

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio (second left) celebrates with his players after his side's third goal against Newcastle United
15 April 2013

A total of 27 football fans have been arrested and three police officers injured after violence erupted following a derby match in Newcastle.

Missiles were thrown at police as a group of Newcastle fans tried to confront Sunderland supporters in Central Station, Newcastle, after the home side's 0-3 defeat at St James' Park.

One officer was taken to hospital for treatment, said Northumbria Police.

The violence erupted the day after crowd trouble marred Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. A total of 14 men were arrested after Millwall fans began fighting with each other during the second half of their 2-0 defeat by Wigan, in disturbing scenes which left youngsters in tears and were witnessed by millions on television. Scotland Yard said 12 of those held were Millwall supporters and two Wigan fans.

Northumbria Police said they were pelted with missiles during Sunday's trouble in Newcastle.

A force spokeswoman said: "The most serious incident involved a group of Newcastle fans in Central Station attempting to confront Sunderland supporters, but they were intercepted by officers from British Transport Police. During this incident missiles were thrown at the officers, which resulted in three injuries to officers - one of them requiring assessment at hospital."

Police said they received reports of minor incidents, including the release of smoke canisters, before and during the match. It is believed that Newcastle fans were also involved in a series of sporadic incidents of disorder in the city centre following the match, said the spokeswoman.

Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, said: "The vast majority of fans were well behaved today and enjoyed the Tyne-Wear derby for the great occasion that it is. Disappointingly, there was some disorder involving what appear to be Newcastle United supporters following the match in the city centre, including an incident at Central Station."

Video footage of the violence in Newcastle this afternoon showed fans picking up empty glass bottles from a bin and throwing them towards rows of helmeted police officers. A burning bin could also be seen lying on its side in the road.

More than 50,000 people attended Sunday's match. Sunderland fans were transported to the stadium on special Metro and rail services and in coaches organised by their club. The away supporters were kept inside St James' Park for around 20 minutes after full time in a pre-arranged hold-back before being taken back to Sunderland on coaches or escorted to Central Station by police.

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