Do you know these NUFC/SAFC derby day suspects?
Nov 22 2008 by Paul James, The Journal
DOZENS of suspected football yobs are being hunted by police following the trouble at last month’s Sunderland v Newcastle derby.
Football intelligence officers yesterday released CCTV pictures of 41 people involved in the trouble at the Stadium of Light on October 25.
Hordes invaded the pitch at the end of the match, with crowds of rival fans separated only by lines of police officers and stewards.
Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given was confronted by one Sunderland fan, Joey Barton had bottles and coins hurled at him, and the violence at the end of the game saw a British Transport Police officer suffer a broken wrist, a steward injured and a police horse burnt with a firework.
Even after being removed from the pitch Sunderland fans stayed behind way beyond the final whistle to taunt their rivals, following their first home win against Newcastle for 28 years. So far police said action has been taken against 29 people arrested on the day, since when more arrests have been made.
Now officers are asking for help to identify 41 suspects, which include a woman.
Chief Supt Neil Mackay, of the Northumbria Police Operations Unit, said: “The overwhelming majority of football fans are well-behaved and want nothing more than to attend games free from the fear of violence, disorder or other crime.
“Anti-social behaviour should not be tolerated and, by working alongside us, fans can help us to prevent those responsible from attending matches.
“We will act on any information received from the public to ensure that those involved in disorder are identified, put through the courts and receive appropriate penalties and Banning Orders.
“I would appeal for the assistance of the public to identify those involved and send out a strong message that this sort of behaviour at a football match is unacceptable.
“Those attending football matches to cause disorder are attending for entirely the wrong reasons. True fans, whose first priority is the game itself, should continue to work with us to make football a safe and secure event for all concerned.”
Police are asking anyone who knows the identity of any person pictured to contact 03456 043043, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
They said witnesses can tell them what they know, not who they are, and they may receive a cash reward.
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