THE Sunderland-Newcastle Premiership derby passed without serious incident, police said yesterday, even though they made 160 arrests.

Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light kicked off at 5.15pm so it could be screened live on Sky TV, despite concerns this could lead to drink-fuelled trouble.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "Although 160 people were arrested before and during the game, these were for minor disorder-related offences."