Magpies head for safety but Boro face drop after crunch match.

NEWCASTLE United emerged victorious last night from one of the most momentous derbies in North-East footballing history.

The Magpies’ 3-1 win in a tense Tyne-Tees derby saw them climb out of the relegation zone – sending Middlesbrough hurtling towards the Premiership trapdoor.

The game was anxiously followed by thousands of fans across the region and may yet prove the decider as to which of the North-East giants retains Premiership status.

Professor Tom Cannon, of the University of Liverpool, said relegation could spell financial disaster for Newcastle United – who chalked up their first win under Alan Shearer.

He estimated the drop could cost the Magpies £30m in lost revenue and wipe £100m off owner Mike Ashley’s £250m asking price.

In addition, it would also devalue the £39.7m squad, which is paid £70m in wages.

Prof Cannon believes relegation would be costly but not critical to Boro, estimating a £20m loss in revenue – latest accounts show it had a £48m turnover and £29m wage bill.

But Boro would still see a big fall in the £27m broadcasting fees, £8m gate receipts and £7.5m in commercial deals, which could prompt the sale of players such as Stewart Downing and Gary O’Neil.

■ Six people were arrested for a variety of minor offences, a Northumbria Police spokesman said last night.