Riots In Italy - They Should Take Note Of Tyne/Wear Derby!

Last updated : 13 November 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

There is no religion involved, and thank God (sorry for the pun) the same can be said of football throughout England.

Italy is seeing the full scale of football violence at its worst. So much so the Italian authorities are even considering closing down the league!

Yet on Saturday Police praised football fans for their "excellent behaviour" at the Wear-Tyne derby, which is remarkable considering whar USED to happen back in the 1970s and 1980s. 

There were only five arrests following the Sunderland-Newcastle match at the Stadium of Light, all for low-level offences such as drunkenness.

Northumbria police said there were no incidents of major disorder.

Chief Supt Neil Mackay: "Generally speaking, the crowd was very well-behaved. They enjoyed the action on the pitch and there was only a small minority who could not behave.

"I would like to thank the Newcastle fans for their patience when they were held back after the game while the area was cleared of Sunderland supporters."