POLICE are warning they will come down hard on anyone trying to cause trouble at tonight’s Premier League Tyne-Tees relegation dogfight.

Middlesbrough travel to St James’ Park, Newcastle, for an encounter that could have a crucial bearing on whether either or both are demoted from English football’s elite.

Hooligan spotters will be among the 250 officers who will be deployed to take care of any violence before, during and after the crunch match.

About 200 of these will be from Northumbria Police and will be working with up to 50 officers from the British Transport Police. Officers will escort travelling fans from Newcastle railway station to the stadium and spotters will patrol the haunts of known football hooligans looking for supporters who could get involved in trouble.

Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay, of Northumbria Police, said: “I am conscious that all three North-East teams are in a precarious position and emotions will be running high.

“But if people are going to lose control of their emotions, perhaps also fuelled by alcohol, they should know they are liable to get arrested.

“We will seek to secure banning orders against anyone who is caught causing trouble.

During the course of this season we have seen a number of examples of people banned for as many as six years and even sent to prison for offences committed at football games.

“We want there to be a good match that supporters can go to with their families and not have the event spoiled by a mindless minority.”

It is expected that about 3,000 Middlesbrough fans will travel north for the game, which will be shown on TV.

Middlesbrough will also be showing the match on screens at The Riverside Stadium.

Chief Supt Mackay said: “We will be working closely with both clubs and the Transport Police and we will adopt a firm, but fair policy for policing the game.

“Anyone who steps out of line will be arrested or identified and arrested after the event. We will be supported by CCTV cameras operating throughout the city and the police helicopter.”