POLICE have charged more than 30 Sunderland and West Ham fans who are alleged to have been involved in a fight before a Premier League game.
Trouble flared outside Revolution Bar in Sunderland at around 2.15pm on January 12, ahead of the Hammers visit to the Stadium of Light.
Northumbria Police said fans associated with West Ham have now been charged with violent disorder.
They are aged between 18 and 28 and come from St Albans, Peterborough, Romford, Hornchurch, Basildon, Harefield, Bury St Edmunds and Chelmsford.
They are due to appear before Sunderland Magistrates Court later this month.
A total of 24 Sunderland fans have already been charged following a lengthy investigation by police.
All of those charged have strict bail conditions restricting their attendance at football matches.
Chief Superintendent Kay Blyth, Sunderland Area Commander, said: "This has been an extensive investigation and we received an excellent response from the public when CCTV images of the incident were released.
"There are 24 Sunderland and ten West Ham supporters charged with offences, bringing the total number of people charged in connection with the incident to 34.
"They are all going through the court process and currently have stringent bail conditions.
"As we've said previously the vast majority of football supporters just want to enjoy the match. However, when any kind of violence takes place we will do everything possible to make sure those suspected of being involved are traced and the appropriate action is taken."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel