MORE than 20 football fans were arrested after trouble broke out ahead of a friendly match between Sunderland and Celtic.
Pictures on social media showed a number of clashes in Sunderland, including one at a book signing in the city by English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson.
Northumbria Police said 21 arrests were made on Saturday, the majority of which were for drunk and disorderly behaviour, breach of the peace and the use of illegal pyrotechnics.
In one incident, an 18-year-old man suffered a head injury. He has since been discharged from hospital and inquiries are continuing.
The game, which Celtic won 5-0, was organised by sponsors to mark 20 years since Sunderland’s Stadium of Light opened and 50 years since Celtic won the European Cup.
Assistant Chief Constable Helen McMillan said: “Fans come here to enjoy the football, many with young children, and we here at Northumbria Police do all we can to ensure they enjoy the day whichever team they support.
“Unfortunately we did have some incidents of disorder in and around Sunderland between Sunderland and Celtic fans and while police dealt with them quickly, it is a shame these types of incidents happen at all.”
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