There were disturbances before the England game at Sunderland

For Sunderland and Newcastle fans the Tyne-Wear derby is one of the biggest games of the season, and often attracts troublemakers.

Superintendent Paul Weir from Northumbria Police said the fact that it is the last derby game between the two sides for a while could mean more problems from hooligans.

Sunderland are already relegated from the Premiership, and this will be the last game between the two clubs for at least a season.

There are organised groups of hooligans who have attached themselves to the two clubs, the Gremlins at Newcastle United, and the Seaburn Casuals at Sunderland.

Superintendent Weir said: "There is potential for trouble with this game, and we are taking it very seriously.

"The message to people who want to cause trouble is stay away."

He said the force had been preparing for the fixture since the violent clashes in Sunderland at the Euro 2004 game between England and Turkey earlier in April.