FA await derby trouble report

The Football Association are awaiting reports into the trouble which flared during and after the derby clash between Sunderland and Newcastle.

A 17-year-old has been released on bail by Northumbria Police in connection with an alleged confrontation with Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper on the pitch at the Stadium of Light in the immediate aftermath of Asamoah Gyan's last-gasp equaliser.

A total of 24 arrests were made before, during and after the game, with rival fans clashing in ugly scenes on the final whistle.

The FA had a crowd control adviser present at the match and will consider his report and that of referee Howard Webb once they receive them.

An FA spokesman said: "We are awaiting reports this morning (Monday) and will be proceeding from there."

Harper appeared to be barged to the ground as Gyan, his team-mates and the Black Cats fans among a crowd of 47,864 celebrated the Ghana international's stoppage-time strike, which rescued a 1-1 draw.

Webb spotted the incident and guided stewards and police, and a youth was handed over by supporters and taken into custody.

He was bailed until March as enquiries continued.

The authorities will now consider the various reports and study footage of the trouble, as well as asking Sunderland for their observations.

However, the fact that the incident involving Harper was dealt with swiftly and the alleged offender was identified and arrested means the club is unlikely to face any FA sanctions.