TWO men from Stanley, County Durham, were arrested after a pitch invasion during the Tyne-Wear derby at the weekend.

Newcastle lost 3-0 loss to arch rivals Sunderland at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Connor Grieves, 22, of Lees Street, and Sean Glendinning, 25, of Hollyhill Gardens West, were two of three men arrested when the final whistle was blown.

They, along with, Daniel Orrick, 21, of Hertford, Gateshead, have been charged with going into a playing area designated for football matches and will appear at Newcastle Magistrates Court on February 27.

Northumbria Police has made 11 arrests in total - three as part of a planned operation before the match.

Operations Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "The vast majority of fans were well-behaved and the Tyne-Wear derby was celebrated for the fantastic sporting event that it is.

"Public safety is always our number one priority during any football match.

“The few people who chose to pose a threat to public safety were dealt with swiftly by police."

Eight men have also been charged with affray following a fight when Newcastle played Sunderland on Wearside on Sunday, October 27.

Police were called to Westgate Road, near to the O2 Academy and the Star Pub, in Newcastle.

The incident happened in the road and caused a number of cars and pedestrians to stop.

Officers arrested nine men and eight have been charged with affray.

They are:

Steven Office, 48, of Mead Walk, Walker, Newcastle; Michael Office, of 29, Warrenmor Lane, Leam Lane Estate, Gateshead; James Office, 26, of Orchard Grove, Brompton, Northallerton; Trevor Reid, 49, of James Street, Dipton, County Durham; Paul Munro, 31, of Hutton Street, Gosforth, Newcastle; David Carter, 28, of St Edmunds Terrace, Dipton; Colin Leightley, 24, of Finespark, Annfield Plain; and Jordan Carter, 21, of St Edmunds Terrace, Dipton.

They are all on bail and will all appear at Magistrates' courts in Newcastle and Gateshead on February 13 and February 21.

Bail conditions mean that the eight are not allowed to enter licensed premises in the city centre area of Newcastle.

A ninth man, a 30-year-old from Durham, remains on police bail.