WE’LL FIND YOU
Police and clubs’ message to yobs who ripped out seat sat Wear-Tyne derby ...
Sunderland AFC has teamed up with Newcastle United and police to find the yobs who damaged seats during the Under 23 derby clash at the Stadium of Light.
An investigation has been launched after the damage, caused by visiting Magpies fans in the South Stand, during Wednesday night’s encounter.
About 300 Newcastle supporters travelled to Wear side for the Premier League International Cup quarterfinal, which Newcastle won after a penalty shoot-out.
Several seats were broken during the match, while the Black Cats also said there had been damage caused to toilet blocks
Videos posted on social media channels showed Newcastle fans chanting and waving around parts of seats.
Sunderland AFC said in a statement: “Damage was caused to a number of seats and toilet blocks in the South Stand, which was used to house visiting supporters, during the U23 Premier League International Cup match against Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
“Sunderland AFC is working with Newcastle United and Northumbria Police to help identify those responsible.”
Pictures taken following the game clearly showed seats missing in the South Stand of the Stadium of Light.
The seats were broken after Lynden Gooch put Sunderland 2-1 ahead in the second half of the match.
Newcastle’s Callum Robfor erts equalised in stoppage time to force the game into extra-time, and they then went on to win 11-10 on penalties.
There was a small police presence inside the stadium the game, which was the first reserve derby in four years.
Newcastle United slammed the “unacceptable behaviour” of those responsible for the damage and said it would “hold them to account”.
A statement from the Magpies said: “Newcastle United is aware of the unacceptable behaviour of a number of its supporters who attended last night’s Under-23s match against Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light.
“The club is very disappointed to hear of the actions of a small group of individuals and will do everything it can to help the police identify those responsible and hold them to account.”
Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, of Northumbria Police, said: “Reports of minor disorder and damage to the stadium are being looked into by police and officers are carrying out enquiries and reviewing CCTV to identify those involved.”
Anyone with any information can contact police on 101 and quote reference number 648 07/03/18.
“The club is very disappointed to hear of the actions of a small group”
NEW CASTLE UNITED