EXTRA police will be on the streets on Saturday as the region hosts two mouth-watering FA Cup ties on the same day.

Middlesbrough take on near neighbours Sunderland in a rare FA Cup derby, with a 1pm kick-off at the Riverside.

Just two hours later, around 7,500 Luton Town fans are expected at St James’ Park hoping to see their League Two team pull off a giant killing act over Newcastle United.

Around 4,500 Sunderland fans are expected to make the short trip down the A19 to take on their Championship rivals and police have warned that drunken or violent behaviour will not be tolerated.

Superintendent Dave Sutherland said: “Cleveland Police works with Middlesbrough FC and others to ensure that football matches are as safe, crime-free and as enjoyable as possible.

“The vast majority of those attending the game will be genuine fans who turn up to support their team with family and friends.

“Both clubs have a passionate and vocal following and Middlesbrough should be proud of the huge support shown to them by their fans.

“There are, unfortunately, a minority of people who sometime use football as an excuse for causing trouble through antisocial, drunken or violent behaviour.

“At best this spoils it for genuine fans and at worst it can undermine public safety.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work with the football clubs to ensure that those responsible for this type of behaviour are prosecuted and/or banned from future games.”

Because of the large number of away fans expected, extra officers will be on the streets of Newcastle to keep disruption to a minimum.

Match commander Chief Inspector Jamie Pitt said: “We are delighted to be involved in the policing of a good old-fashioned 3pm FA Cup third round game and are expecting an excellent atmosphere.

“Luton Town fans will be travelling in large numbers so it is appropriate and proportionate for us to put a policing operation in place to minimise any disruption to the city.

“We will be working closely with the football club, the local authority and the British Transport Police to make sure we can enjoy the atmosphere and tradition of the FA Cup third round weekend”.