A shadow hung over the North-East's next showpiece England football match last night.

UEFA, the game's governing body in Europe, was under pressure to order the fixture between England and Slovakia at Middlesbrough on June 11 to be played behind closed doors. This follows crowd trouble during the victory over Turkey in Sunderland on Wednesday.

Such a decision would be a shattering blow to Middlesbrough, who were jubilant in January when it was confirmed they would be hosting their first senior international since moving to the Riverside Stadium in 1995.

It will also be a massive blow to tens of thousands of North-East fans who had been looking forward to roaring on England after their victory in Sunderland.

But both the Turkish and Slovakian Football Associations are expected to lodge official protests to UEFA after two pitch invasions involving England fans at the Stadium of Light.

The Football Association yesterday praised Sunderland FC for its organisation, despite the problems.

A Sunderland spokeswoman said: "The club was disappointed that a handful of individuals intent on disrupting the fixture travelled to Wearside.

"But Sunderland was honoured to host the game and would like to thank the majority of supporters, both Turkish and English, for their impeccable behaviour."

Police said last night that some of the troublemakers had come to the match bent on seeking revenge for two Leeds supporters killed in Turkey three years ago.

Superintendent Jim Campbell said: "It is evident there was a minority of so-called fans out there not interested in the match."

A total of 106 people were arrested throughout Wednesday. They were from across the country, with almost half from Yorkshire, including 29 from Leeds, and 25 were from Newcastle and Sunderland.