Northumbria Police issue a statement on fan behaviour following Newcastle United’s thrashing. Sunderland

Northumbria Police have responded to the Sunderland 0 Newcastle 3 result.

Despite having twice the number of away fans permitted in a league match, the day ‘passed largely without incident,’ according to a spokesperson.

Northumbria Police insisted on a ‘bubble’ operation, which meant that all 6,000 Newcastle United fans had to travel in and out of Wearside on official coaches. Otherwise, NUFC would have been limited to 2,500 travelling fans.

Sunderland 0 Newcastle 3 Northumbria Police statement – Chief Superintendent Hutchinson:

“The policing operation for today’s Wear/Tyne Derby went off without a hitch.”

“With the vast majority of both home and away fans enjoying the game and displaying the friendly good humour for which the North East is well known.”

“We would like to thank supporters from both clubs who followed the procedures put in place to ensure the day ran smoothly.”

“Due to the much larger number of away supporters attending, this fixture required a very different approach than previous matches, and we greatly appreciate the cooperation of fans.”

“We would also like to thank both clubs and our partners from across the region, who worked together to help ensure those attending the game could do so safely and that disruption for other members of the public was kept to a minimum.”

in other news, Michael Beale sends a strong message to Sunderland players following their drubbing at the hands of Newcastle United.