Police in England have confirmed 21 arrests were made yesterday as Celtic and Sunderland fans clashed ahead of a friendly at the Stadium of Light.
Officers from Northumbria Police battled to bring order in the streets of the city yesterday afternoon as both sides brawled in the street.
Several videos are continuing to circulate online showing the extent of the disorder.
READ MORE: Video - Police struggle to hold Celtic and Sunderland fans back as both sides clash in street
While one widely-shared clip showed fans dressed in green and white in altercations with locals and police, another appears to show a flare being thrown into a shop where former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson was conducting a book signing while wearing a Rangers top.
Northumbria Police said the arrests were made for drunk and disorderly behaviour, breach of the peace, and the use of illegal pyrotechnics.
It is also being reported that Celtic fans are among those due to appear in court tomorrow.
In one incident, an 18-year-old man needed hospital treatment for a head injury. Police said he has since been discharged and inquiries are continuing.
READ MORE: Celtic fan seriously injured outside ex-EDL boss’ book launch
Earlier in the day, Northumbria Police was forced to issue a short statement on its social media pages denying there had been a death.
The force said at 5.30pm: “There are currently rumours spreading that there is wide scale disorder in and around our city centres and that there has been a fatality - this is not true.”
Shortly after, Northumbria Police assistant chief constable, Helen McMillan, expressed her disappointment at the way both sides behaved ahead of what was meant to be a friendly match.
She said: “We did have some incidents of disorder in and around Sunderland between Sunderland and Celtic fans and, while police dealt with them quickly, it’s a shame these types of incidents happen at all.
“Fans come here to enjoy the football - many with young children - and we here at Northumbria Police do all we can to ensure they enjoy the day whichever team they support.”
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