POLICE are urging Middlesbrough fans travelling to Tuesday’s (October 30) League Cup clash at Sunderland to be patient.

 The away contingent will be held back at full time to allow home supporters to clear the Stadium of Light.

The Northumbria force says the holdback will be as short as possible.

Turnstiles for the North Stand upper tier will open at 6,30pm and fans will have access to the bars on levels one.

The level one bar will serve alcohol before kick- off, at half time and after the match. The level three bar will serve soft drinks and snacks before and at half time but will serve alcohol only after full time.

After full time the fans will be allowed into the bars on levels one and three and have access to refreshments and toilets.  

Operations Command Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "We are asking for Middlesbrough fans to work with us and stay back in the North Stand for a short period after the game - this allows us time to clear the area at the bottom of the stand and for us to safely escort supporters from the stadium.

"We carried out a holdback of supporters at the recent derby game and it worked well - the majority of fans fully understand why we do it and are cooperative with officers and stewards.

"We've arranged with Sunderland to have the bars and toilets open on levels one and three so it's as comfortable as possible for the waiting Middlesbrough fans.

"We would ask that supporters work with police and stewards, remain patient and understand that we are doing everything we can to make sure everyone gets home safely."