FOOTBALL fans were yesterday praised for their good behaviour after a weekend event went off without incident.

Police chiefs commended the thousands of Glasgow Rangers supporters who travelled to St James' Park for the Newcastle Gateshead Cup.

Despite some reports saying the event was going to be targeted by hooligans, there were no serious incidents.

Police said there were even fewer arrests at the ground than on a typical match day.

Superintendent Steve Storey said: "There was a lot of speculation and rumour in the build-up to the game that there would be serious outbreaks of disorder.

"But as we suspected, this proved not to be the case. There was never any intelligence to suggest there would have been hooliganism."

Two Rangers fans were arrested in the ground on Saturday -one for possession of drugs and the second for a minor public order offence. A Newcastle supporter was also arrested for being drunk at a sporting event.

There were no arrests in the ground during Sunday's game against Sporting Lisbon.

Supt Storey said: "There was an excellent atmosphere between the Newcastle and Rangers supporters during the match on Saturday, with both sets of fans applauding each other at the end of the game.

"Although the Rangers fans had been drinking, they were very well behaved and I would like to thank them for their conduct."