Newcastle and Sunderland fans fight in the street and throw bottles in violent clashes

Violent clashes erupted between supporters of Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park today, March 22, with the Sunderland team bus sustaining damage as tensions spilled onto the streets outside the stadium.

Fans from both sides were reported to have thrown punches and hurled missiles at one another before kick-off, after a group of Sunderland supporters allegedly broke away from a police escort and walked through an area filled with Newcastle fans. Videos shared online showed officers attempting to hold back a crowd of home supporters as away fans made their way into the ground.

Images from the scene showed a crack in the windscreen of the Sunderland team bus after bottles were reportedly thrown as it arrived. A Sunderland supporters’ bus was also said to have been pelted with bottles and cans as it left the stadium.

In a separate incident near the area of the disorder, footage circulating online appeared to show a Newcastle fan being given CPR, although it remains unclear whether that episode was linked to the clashes.

Northumbria Police said order was largely maintained and confirmed that one arrest had been made ahead of the game.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We are aware of a number of videos circulating on social media in relation to Newcastle United and Sunderland supporters goading one another. In the main, everyone has co-operated and we are able to report that one arrest was made ahead of kick-off. We will continue to have an increased police presence in the city centre.”

The Premier League fixture kicked off at midday on Sunday but was temporarily paused five minutes into the second half following reports of discriminatory abuse from the stands. A Premier League spokesperson said: “This is in line with the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident at St James’ Park will now be fully investigated.”