Police appeal for calm before derby day match

May 10 2009 by Adam Jupp, Sunday Sun

AS the North gears up for one of the biggest soccer grudge games for decades supporters on both sides and police are calling for calm.

Newcastle United take on Middlesbrough at St James’s Park tomorrow night with both teams stuck in the Premier League’s drop zone.

The rivals are both desperate for three points to ease their relegation fears, with Sunderland fans praying for a draw to preserve the cushion between them and their neighbours.

Hundreds of extra police officers have been drafted in to try to prevent outbreaks of violence before, during and after the clash.

And fans of both clubs have told of their tension ahead of the fixture. Steve Wraith, editor of North East football fanzine Players’ Inc, said: “I think Newcastle fans tend to look at the Tyne-Tees derby as the lesser of the two but that is not the case as far as this game is concerned.

“It is the biggest game of both teams’ seasons and it should really be held at high noon, rather than 8pm on a Monday night because it is such a big showdown.

“I just hope that both sets of fans behave themselves and it is not remembered for all the wrong reasons. The atmosphere will be heated - the fans are always up for these occasions and it is not one to be missed for sure.”

In November, Middlesbrough and Newcastle drew 0-0 at the Riverside Stadium but this time both sets of supporters fear a point will not be enough to help either beat the dreaded drop.

Graham Harper, of the Newcastle United Supporters’ Club, said: “As always Newcastle fans will get behind the team in this do or die match.

“NUSC would urge all fans to raise the roof for the lads and we wish Alan and the team the best.

“The match is one of the most important in the history of the club and we hope the players rise to the challenge against a Boro side who are also battling for their lives.”

Rob Nichols, editor of the Middlesbrough fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, said the game represented a potential “knock-out blow” for both sides.

“It’s quite incredible how big this game is . . . there’s so much at stake,” he said.

“I really hope there’s no trouble with the fans because it’s going to be a phenomenal occasion and neither set of fans are doing their club, their town or their city any favours by getting involved in violence.

“The battle is there to be won on the pitch.”

Police will be monitoring events closely, hoping trouble doesn’t flare as emotions run high. Chief Supt Neil Mackay, of Northumbria Police, said: “There will be more than 200 officers on duty and the message is clear - if anyone acts in a disorderly manner, they will be arrested.

“People need to think that for a moment’s madness, they could be banned from football for a number of years and, depending on the offence they commit, could go to prison.

“If people go looking for bother, they will get it and it will be in the form of us arresting them.