NEWCASTLE fans reacted angrily tonight after learning of the late cancellation of the club's pre-season friendly in Holland later this month.

The decision to call off the match in Utrecht was made by the Football Association amid fears of potential trouble between United fans and supporters of rivals Sunderland.

It followed concern raised in the Dutch media today by the Mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, who feared that Tyne/Wear rivalries might lead to clashes on the city's streets.

Utrecht is only 30 miles from Amsterdam and there was concern that United fans may stop off in the largest Dutch city on their way to or from their match, on Sunday, July 26.

Several thousand Sunderland fans are expected to be in the city for the tournament at host club Ajax's Amsterdam ArenA, from July 24-26.

The Black Cats accepted an invitation to take part in the prestigious tournament several months ago, and are due to face Portuguese side Benfica, on July 24, and Spaniards Atletico Madrid, on July 26.

Newcastle's planned match at FC Utrecht's Stadion Galgenwaard was arranged more recently.

Initially, the Amsterdam Mayor's office suggested the invitation to Sunderland to take part in the tournament may be withdrawn, but today's u-turn came after the FA refused to sanction United's one-off match in Utrecht.

The FA tonight said: "Following conversations with the KNVB and the Mayor of Amsterdam's office, The FA has reluctantly withdrawn permission for Newcastle United to play a friendly with Utrecht on Sunday, July 26.

"Sunderland had applied for permission to participate in the Amsterdam tournament, with matches on July 24 and 26, while Newcastle applied to play Utrecht on July 26. After liaising with the KNVB and the UK and Dutch Police, permission was given to both clubs with assurances made to The FA that there were no objections to both teams playing in Holland at the same time.

"Following concerns raised by the Mayor of Amsterdam, it became clear that only one of the two teams would be able to travel to Holland and The FA actively sought to resolve the situation.

Long-time exiled United fan Graham Helling, now living in Merseyside, had already booked his flight to Amsterdam for the Utrecht game.

"Fortunately, I haven't booked any accommodation.

"But, I'll lose the 70 or 80 cost of the flight. I'll not get that back.

Martyn McFadden, of award-winning Sunderland fanzine A Love Supreme, said: "It's a shame for the Newcastle fans who planned to go out, but we had arranged our trip to Holland a lot earlier.

"It wouldn't have necessarily meant there would be trouble, but if there had been we would have seen all the old headlines about English fans abroad."