FA Cup news: Police confirm five arrests made before Middlesbrough and Sunderland clash
Over 4,500 away fans descended on Teesside but a number of troublemakers were locked up on suspicion of possessing class A drugs, affray and assault
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COPS confirmed a number of arrests were made on suspicion of affray, assault and possession of class A drugs as trouble kicked off before the North East derby between Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
The clash was brought forward to an earlier 1pm kick off on security advice after the two rivals were drawn together in the FA Cup third round.
But that, and a heavy police presence, failed to stop troublemakers as over 4,500 away fans attended the lunchtime clash on Teesside.
A huge number of the travelling Sunderland supporters were shipped into The Riverside in coaches, while those travelling by train were met by cops outside of the station to escort them to the ground.
The allegiances of the alleged guilty parties have not been disclosed, but five arrests were made prior to kick off.
A 34-year-old man was locked up on suspicion of affray.
Another male, 31, was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault, with both being held in custody.
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man was also arrested after he was suspected of being in possession of a class A drug.
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Two further males, aged 27 and 33, were also banged up suspected of the same offence.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police told the : "Bad behaviour will not be tolerated."
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Just yesterday Superintendent Dave Suitherland issued a warning to the rival set of supporters heading to Boro for the match.
He said: “Cleveland Police works with Middlesbrough FC and others to ensure that football matches are as safe, crime-free and as enjoyable as possible.
“The vast majority of those attending the game will be genuine fans who turn up to support their team with family and friends.
“Both clubs have a passionate and vocal following and Middlesbrough should be proud of the huge support shown to them by their fans.
“There are, unfortunately, a minority of people who sometime use football as an excuse for causing trouble through antisocial, drunken or violent behaviour
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“At best this spoils it for genuine fans and at worst it can undermine public safety.
“Such behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work with the football clubs to ensure that those responsible for this type of behaviour are prosecuted and/or banned from future games.”