Byline: KATIE DAVIES
And today a top Northumbria police officer told the Chronicle he was pleased with how the operation went.Toon fans celebrated deep into the night, with pubs across Newcastle packed out."I'd like to thank the stewards and clubs."CAPTION(S):County Durham-born cricketer Paul Collingwood, a Sunderland fan, was at the game while the Black Cats' American owner Ellis Short joined Chairman Niall Quinn in the stands.Around 48,000 supporters attended the match, which saw a large police presence both in the city and in and around the Stadium of Light.But officers, dressed in riot gear and supported by the mounted and dog sections, quickly dispersed fans.Before the game, fans, including a tattooed and bare-chested Newcastle fan, were in high spirits as they entered the Stadium of Light.FOOTBALL fans at the Wear-Tyne derby have been praised by police for their good behaviour. A total of 21 fans were arrested for low-level offences, mainly drunkenness or possessing alcohol in a sports ground."Public safety is always our number one priority during any football match, and this means any individual or groups of people who pose a risk to public safety will be dealt with promptly by police, as they were on Saturday.A joint operation between Durham and Northumbria police forces was set up to try and identify those involved in the disorder at the Northern Echo stadium.Travelling Newcastle fans were sent into raptures when defender Ryan Taylor curled in a free kick in the second half.Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, said: "I'm very pleased with how things went. The crowd was mainly goodnatured and only interested in the action on the pitch. Twenty-one arrests out of a capacity crowd is low. We had anticipated the potential for disorder and had the resources in place to deal with it swiftly and firmly.Meanwhile, police have said they have arrested those believed to have been among supporters who invaded the pitch and brawled during a pre-season friendly between Newcastle and Darlington on July 15.Taylor was mobbed by his teammates as they celebrated in front of their supporters."The policing operation went very smoothly, and I would like to commend the actions and professionalism of all the officers.Hundreds of extra officers were drafted in to stamp out disorder when Sunderland met Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. After the game, which the Magpies won 1-0, two missiles were thrown at police outside the ground.PITCH ACTION Newcastle players celebrate Ryan Taylor's goal WELL PREPARED Police at the game between Sunderland and NewcastleThree men, aged 23, 20 and a 17-year-old male youth were arrested at addresses in North Shields, Gateshead and also in South Shields.
PITCH ACTION Newcastle players celebrate Ryan Taylor's goal WELL PREPARED Police at the game between Sunderland and Newcastle
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