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Horse suffers burns as fans clash | Horse suffers burns as fans clash |
(29 minutes 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. |
Ch 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." |
It is difficult to comprehend the mentality of this Ch Supt Neil Mackay | |
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. |
Some fans ran on to the playing surface during the game with Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given being subject to verbal abuse. | |
Meanwhile, missiles were thrown from the crowd at Joey Barton as he warmed-up on the touchline. Police asked him to continue his exercises in the technical area to prevent further trouble. | |
At the end of the game a large group of fans raced from the stands and more fighting broke out. | |
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. | 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." |
The female rider of the horse was saved from injury by her helmet, a police spokesperson added. | |
The match ended in a 2-1 victory for Sunderland, their first victory over Newcastle at the Stadium of Light. |