FA Cup news: Police confirm five arrests made before Middlesbrough and Sunderland clash

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."

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.