RIVAL football fans were last night urged to heed calls for peace at tomorrow's first North-East Premiership derby match of the season.

Extra police cover has been drafted in to maintain the peace as Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland meet for the first time this season.

The long-awaited fixture will attract a sell-out 50,000-plus crowd at St James Park, but millions more will be watching the televised game live, many in pubs and clubs in areas of mixed allegiance across the region, sparking fears of violence at key moments.

Kick-off is not scheduled until 4pm, allowing many supporters to take plenty of alcohol on board.

Northumbria Police are deploying trained "spotters" to identify known trouble-makers and potential flash points before and after the match.

In a similar operation prior to the last Wear-Tyne derby fixture, in April, a group of about 50 Newcastle fans, many without match tickets, were arrested at a Sunderland pub, well away from the Stadium of Light.

A total of 161 people were detained on the day, accounting in a large part for Newcastle and Sunderland's top-of-the-table ranking in the recently released list of football-related arrests last season.

The man in charge of match-day policing tomorrow, Chief Inspector Dave Jackson, said any misbehaviour will not be tolerated and reminded fans they risk more than just being arrested.

"We want all fans to enjoy the match and we will be policing the match both firmly and fairly.

"Any supporters who aim to cause trouble will be dealt with. Fans who commit offences will be put before the courts where appropriate.

"Anyone convicted could face a prison sentence. They could also be banned from all football grounds in England, Wales and abroad for ten years.

"In addition, fans could also lose their season ticket."

Chief Insp Jackson, operations manager for Newcastle central area command, urged all of Sunderland's contingent of fans to make use of free buses which will be given a police escort to St James Park.

A convoy of more than 30 buses will leave the Stadium of Light at 1pm and any Sunderland fan with a match ticket is entitled to travel.