Wear-Tyne derby fans praised by police Published duration 21 August 2011

The behaviour of fans who attended the Wear-Tyne derby has been praised after a "low level" of arrests were made, police said.

About 48,000 supporters attended the match at the Stadium of Light, during which Newcastle beat Sunderland 1-0.

Twenty-one people were arrested for a variety of low-level offences, mainly drunkenness or possessing alcohol in a sports ground.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said he was very pleased with how the day went.

Ch Supt Steve Neill added: "Twenty-one arrests out of a capacity crowd is still low.

"The policing operation went very smoothly and I would like to commend the actions and professionalism of all the officers.