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Wear-Tyne derby: Seven arrests after morning raids Wear-Tyne derby: Seven arrests after morning raids
(about 2 hours later)
A major police operation is under way in an attempt to prevent trouble surrounding the Wear-Tyne derby. Seven men were arrested during police raids ahead of the Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland face Newcastle at 13:30 GMT for the first time since widespread violence after a game between the sides at St James' Park in April. The men were held at 05:00 GMT on suspicion of conspiring to commit violent disorder and breaching football banning order conditions, Northumbria Police said.
Seven men were arrested at 05:00 GMT on suspicion of conspiring to commit violent disorder and breaching football banning order conditions, police said.
Smoke canisters were seized during raids across the North East.Smoke canisters were seized during raids across the North East.
Chief Supt Steve Neill from Northumbria Police said the arrests were made based on intelligence reports. Hundreds of officers were on duty before the game, which Sunderland won 2-1.
"We want today's match to be as safe and enjoyable for supporters as possible and we will continue to take action when and where appropriate to ensure that this is the case," he said. Steven Fletcher opened the scoring for the home side before Mathieu Debuchy's equaliser.
The men, aged between 18 and 57, were arrested at addresses around Tyneside, Wearside and County Durham. Some Sunderland fans then invaded the pitch to celebrate Fabio Borini's winner.
Newcastle fans travelling to the Stadium of Light will be kept inside the stadium at the end of the game to allow home supporters to clear. Chief Supt Steve Neill from Northumbria Police said Sunday's early arrests were made based on intelligence reports.
Metal fencing is being used on walkways to the ground to keep rival fans apart.
Horse punchedHorse punched
The men, aged between 18 and 57, were arrested at addresses around Tyneside, Wearside and County Durham.
The game was the first between the two sides since widespread violence after a match at St James' Park in April.
More than 100 Newcastle fans were arrested after last season's clashes with police.More than 100 Newcastle fans were arrested after last season's clashes with police.
Bud the horse, from West Yorkshire's mounted section, will be among those patrolling fans later after being punched in Newcastle after Sunderland's 3-0 win. Bud the horse, from West Yorkshire's mounted section, was among those patrolling fans later after being punched in Newcastle after Sunderland's 3-0 win.
Barry Rogerson, 45, from Bedlington, was jailed on Thursday for the attack.Barry Rogerson, 45, from Bedlington, was jailed on Thursday for the attack.
Mr Neill said plans for Sunday's game had been made in co-operation with supporters.
"Representatives from both clubs' supporters' associations are present at meetings and have a say in the match day operation," he said.