Newcastle 'embarrassed' by violence after Sunderland loss

Newcastle say they are "embarrassed and appalled" by supporters who clashed with police after Sunday's 3-0 defeat by Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.And they have pledged to ban any fans involved for life.Four officers suffered injuries and 29 people were arrested, while one man was pictured punching a horse."We were embarrassed and appalled by the behaviour of a minority of so-called fans who were involved in disturbances," read a club statement."These deplorable individuals have no place at Newcastle United."The trouble occurred in Newcastle city centre, where bottles were thrown and bins set on fire as mounted officers tried to move crowds back."Newcastle United have been working with Northumbria Police, and will continue to do so, in order to identify all of the individuals concerned," the statement continued fotball violence in England and Wales 2011-12Arrests at international and domestic games - 2,363 (down 24%)Average arrests per match - 0.72Arrests inside stadiums - 1,215Arrests outside stadiums - 1,148Banning orders - 2,750 (down from 3,173)Source: Home Office figures gathered by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)"The club will take the strongest possible action against those involved in the disturbances and will impose immediate lifetime bans on all those found guilty."They bring shame on the club and the vast majority of its proper, law-abiding, fans."The disorder in Newcastle came a day after fighting among Millwall fans marred their FA Cup semi-final with Wigan at Wembley.There were 14 arrests for offences including affray, possession of an offensive weapon, Class A drug possession, ticket touting and assault on police.Some fans were left bloodied and a young girl was pictured in tears."I was very shocked and disappointed," said Sports Minister Hugh Robertson . "This never goes away and we tend to go through phases when we've cracked it, but you need to keep on it the whole time.That said, any suggestion that this is a return to the bad old days of the 1970s and 1980s is wide of the mark."The early indications are this was caused by a combination of too much drink, warm weather and an enormous amount of stupidity from the fans involved."It is absolutely inexcusable and I will be looking for the authorities to take tough action."Home Office figures show the number of arrests from matches in England and Wales fell to a record low in 2012, but the latest incidents have brought the issue of football violence back into sharp focus.