POLICE made five arrests, but praised the majority of fans after the Sunderland and Middlesbrough Capital One league cup match.

There were no reports of disorder before the game, which was won 1-0 by Middlesbrough, and the away fans were held back in the North Stand of the Stadium of Light for 20 minutes after the final whistle.

They were then escorted safely to their coaches and transport.

In total, by 11pm, five men had been arrested, four for alcohol related offences and one on suspicion of assault.

Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "Tonight's match went well from a policing perspective. There were no major issues or incidents and the majority of fans were there to enjoy the game.

“It was positive to see that the majority of the fans that attended did so for the right reasons and did their clubs credit.

"The Middlesbrough fans were patient and worked well with stewards and officers in the North Stand during the hold back.

“Thanks to their co-operation we were able to quickly and safely get them back to their coaches and on their way home after the game."

*A 20-year-old Middlesbrough man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk in a sports ground.

*Three men from Sunderland and County Durham, aged 21, 26 and 35, were arrested for possessing alcohol in a sports ground.

*A 20-year-old County Durham man was arrested on suspicion of assault.