10 Problems Only Newcastle United Fans Will Understand

3. Dealing With The Embarrassment Of The Derby Day Riots

After Sunderland defeated Newcastle 3-0 at St. James' Park in April 2013, violence spread into the city as police had to do their best to prevent the situation spiraling out of control. A riot was inevitable. The police created a human wall in the middle of Westgate Road in the city centre to separate the two groups where both sets of fans attacked them with missiles. Four policemen were injured in the attacks and 29 arrests were made including the gentleman who punched a police horse. He claims he was acting in self defence and the scarf covering his face was not to hide his identity, but to protect his sensitive teeth from the cold. You can decide for yourself. Although usually a tense affair, this sort of violence was unprecedented. It is thought that most people involved in the riots were not there to enjoy the football, but had travelled to the city center with from neighbouring towns and villages purely with the intentions of causing trouble. After the MH-17 Malaysian Airline disaster where two Newcastle fans were killed, Sunderland fans sent a floral memorial sending their condolences, which was universally received well by Newcastle fans. With this gesture, many fans of either side are hoping it will put an end trouble that occurs off the pitch.