Trouble at mill

We think our "Worthy Out" protests are harsh.............
From the Sunderland Echo :

Trouble flares as Black Cats suffer derby defeat

VIOLENCE marred the 126th Tyne and Wear derby with shameful scenes on and off the pitch.

Sunderland's second-half collapse against their bitter rivals sparked fury among disgruntled fans.
Supporters were left injured as the gangs of thugs brought shame to the city in what had been a trouble-free afternoon.
Police arrested 24 yobs in and around the Stadium of Light yesterday, mostly for public order and drunkenness.
Although rival Sunderland and Newcastle fans were kept apart, trouble quickly flared after Sunderland conceeded three goals in five minutes.
Bottles were hurled at pockets of Newcastle fans in corporate boxes – some of which were cleared by police as Sunderland fans tried to get at rivals.
One disgruntled fan marched on to the pitch and hurled his season ticket in disgust – before being dragged away by stewards.
A large contingent of Black Cats' fans gathered outside the ground at the corner of the South Stand waiting for Newcastle fans to emerge from the stadium in what quickly became a congested area after the final whistle.
Police had aimed the keep the area as a "sterile zone" in order to prevent clashes between the home and visiting supporters.
But the atmosphere turned tense as the police surged forward in an attempt to disperse the gathering crowd.
Angry mobs hurled coins while bottles of booze were smashed on the ground as mounted police moved in to clear the fans.
Flashpoints of trouble flared as Sunderland supporters gathered outside St Peter's Metro Station, where a large number of Newcastle fans were expected.
More than 150 officers were brought in to clear the fans across Wearmouth Bridge, where a E2 Sunderland to South Shields bus had its windows smashed as frightened passengers could only sit and wait.
More bottles were thrown from alleyways behind the City Tavern pub as fans were chased into the city centre.
As the tension grew, angry gangs began kicking shop windows and smashing advertising glass display units, charging towards Market Square.
Avoiding the police presence, a 50-strong gang stormed into the north entrance of Sunderland Station in a bid to confront away fans travelling back to Newcastle.
However, as they rushed back out, they were followed by police armed with batons and pepper spray.
Police dogs were then used to disperse crowds through St Thomas Street and down Fawcett Street – where flower barrels were overturned.
Coaches carrying Newcastle fans away from the stadium were bricked – with at least one having a window smashed.
Of the 24 arrests at the match, 22 were made inside or in the immediate vicinity of the ground for minor public order offences and drunkenness.

18 April 2006