No Tweeting, police warn derby fans (From The Northern Echo)

No Tweeting, police warn derby fans

8:00am Thursday 18th August 2011 in News By Gavin Engelbrecht

POLICE will be monitoring social networking sites for any signs of trouble in the run up to the Wear-Tyne derby at the weekend.

Officers warned yesterday that anyone involved in violence will be arrested and could face a football banning order.

The warning came as controversy continues to surround the four-year jail sentences imposed on two Cheshire men for each setting up Facebook pages that encouraged people to riot during last week’s unrest across the country even though no disorder occurred.

A 15-year-old boy, from South Tyneside, was also arrested on suspicion of incitement to commit damage by using Facebook, while a 21-year-old woman from Hebburn, South Tyneside, was arrested on suspicion of using a social networking site to incite other people to commit disorder.

Both are on police bail.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match between Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light, Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: “We will be actively monitoring Facebook and Twitter and if we see anything that causes concern we will assess the issues concerned and have an appropriate response.

“I would urge people not to get involved. We arrested people last week with regards to activities (on social networking sites) during disorder elsewhere in the country.

“We will also be using Facebook, Twitter and Bluetooth proactively to communicate with fans and the public about important information, such as train times, and other messages.

“My message to the fans is have a great day. It is a fantastic occasion. The Wear-Tyne derby is always very special.

“But, for those who come with the intent to do violence, you will be dealt with appropriately.

“If you engage in that sort of behaviour you will be arrested, if not on Saturday, then in the postmatch investigation.

Those charged face a criminal conviction and potential football banning order.”

Chief Supt Neill said there were 37 arrests during January’s derby and ten arrests as result of the post-match investigations.

Of those, 13 people received football banning orders.

The force will be using the same cordon system it used for the first time in January. Metal barriers will be positioned at various points along the route and up to and around the Stadium of Light.