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Newcastle to ban guilty fans for life after riot

Newcastle fans face a lifetime ban from the club if found guilty for Sunday's riots © PA Photos

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Newcastle United have vowed to impose immediate lifetime bans on fans found guilty of involvement in the city-centre violence that broke out after the 3-0 Tyne-Wear derby defeat by Sunderland on Sunday.

The Magpies released a strongly-worded statement after police said the number of people arrested after the disturbances had risen to 29.

It said: "We were embarrassed and appalled by the behaviour of a minority of so-called fans who were involved in disturbances and disorder in Newcastle city centre after the match.

"Newcastle United have been working with Northumbria Police, and will continue to do so, in order to identify all of the individuals concerned.

"The club will take the strongest possible action against those involved in the disturbances, and will impose immediate lifetime bans on all those found guilty."

The statement called those involved in the violence "deplorable individuals" and said they "have no place at Newcastle United and bring shame on the club and the vast majority of its proper, law-abiding, fans".

Earlier, police said the number of arrests stood at 29 and confirmed that three officers were injured in the clashes, which saw Newcastle fans attempting to confront Sunderland supporters at the city's Central Station.

Other incidents of violence broke out in central areas, with video footage showing fans throwing bottles towards police and one man attempting to punch a police horse before being hauled to the ground by officers.

Speaking on Sunday, Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, said: "The vast majority of fans were well behaved 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.

"Disruptive behaviour of any kind is not tolerated. Inquiries will take place into these incidents, and action will be taken against all those involved.''

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