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Horse suffers burns as fans clash Horse suffers burns as fans clash
(about 1 hour later)
A police horse suffered burns after being struck by a firework during violent clashes between rival football fans, which saw 29 arrests by police.A police horse suffered burns after being struck by a firework during violent clashes between rival football fans, which saw 29 arrests by police.
The horse was injured after being hit before the match between Sunderland and Newcastle. A police officer suffered a broken wrist separating rival fans.The horse was injured after being hit before the match between Sunderland and Newcastle. A police officer suffered a broken wrist separating rival fans.
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton had missiles thrown at him and fans invaded the pitch during and after the match.Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton had missiles thrown at him and fans invaded the pitch during and after the match.
Police are studying CCTV footage to try to identify troublemakers.Police are studying CCTV footage to try to identify troublemakers.
Chief Supt Neil Mackay, head of Northumbria Police's Operations Unit, said: "The vast majority of fans behaved well. Ch Supt Neil Mackay, head of Northumbria Police's Operations Unit, said: "The vast majority of fans behaved well.
"Twenty-nine arrests out of a capacity crowd is still low and I would like to thank all the stewards involved for their assistance.""Twenty-nine arrests out of a capacity crowd is still low and I would like to thank all the stewards involved for their assistance."
Many of those arrested were held for going on to the pitch at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.Many of those arrested were held for going on to the pitch at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
Chief Supt Mackay said: "There will be a post-match inquiry to identify and arrest those who committed offences and I would particularly appeal for the public to identify the people responsible for throwing fireworks. Ch Supt Mackay said: "There will be a post-match inquiry to identify and arrest those who committed offences and I would particularly appeal for the public to identify the people responsible for throwing fireworks.
"It is difficult to comprehend the mentality of this. It is only through good fortune that the rider and horse and those nearby did not suffer serious injury.""It is difficult to comprehend the mentality of this. It is only through good fortune that the rider and horse and those nearby did not suffer serious injury."