EAST Coast has rejected accusations of bias in its treatment of Newcastle United after fans heading to the weekend game at West Ham were prevented from drinking on its London-bound services.

Fans complained over the company’s ‘dry trains’ approach with some claiming they were not receiving equal treatment when compared to followers of other top-flight teams.

East Coast had been challenged by the website nufc.com to clarify its position ahead of the game which Newcastle lost one nil.

The operator said while it took advice from the police, it had the final decision and considered alcohol restrictions on a “case by case basis”.

It also said a number of Newcastle fans were refused entry to its trains on Saturday after attempting to smuggle alcohol on board.

Alcohol bans are more commonly operated on return journeys from games.

Spokesman John Gelson said: “There is no fixed policy regarding any club’s fixtures.

“We take into account past events around each sporting fixture and advice from the British Transport Police.

“Other examples of sporting events which have prompted us to introduce dry train restrictions include England v Scotland rugby internationals and race meetings at York and Doncaster.

“As always our first priority is to ensure that everyone travelling has a safe and comfortable journey.”

There was a significant police presence at King’s Cross railway station and also at West Ham’s Upton Park ground following trouble involving the two sets of fans at a pre-season tournament in Germany.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “Ultimately operation of ‘dry’ trains is a matter for the train company concerned.”

The spokesman said the vast majority of travelling football fans caused no problems, but a minority “overstepped the mark” by becoming offensive and even violent.