Police say they will apply for banning orders

The suspects were picked out at the Stadium of Light on Saturday during Sunderland's 0-0 draw against Coventry.

Coventry fans said some Sunderland supporters were chanting racial abuse aimed at the West Midlands city's Asian population.

Three people were charged with racial chanting at a football match.

Northumbria Police said it would apply for banning orders for any supporters convicted of racist chanting at a match.

'Racist behaviour'

A 32-year-old Sunderland man will appear before magistrates in the city on Wednesday and two teenagers aged 15 and 17 will appear at youth court on Thursday.

Two other men, aged 18 and 23, were bailed pending further inquiries.

Football liaison officer Sergeant Darren Sweeney said: "We take racist behaviour very seriously wherever it takes place.

"Officers at the ground look out for racist chanting and work closely with the club to take action against those responsible."