POLICE will review the kick-off times of future derby games in the wake of violence that marred Newcastle's game against Sunderland on Sunday.

At the height of the violence, about 300 football fans were involved in drink-fuelled clashes in Newcastle's Bigg Market, after the Magpies won 3-2 at St James' Park. Police shut a number of city centre streets and closed a number of pubs to quell the disorder.

The disorder is believed to have been confined to Newcastle fans, many of whom fought with each other after they congregated in the city centre to celebrate their team's victory. Officers said there was no evidence of involvement by Sunderland supporters.

The violence reached its peak at about 7.30pm - six hours after the 1.30pm kick-off - leading police to question the timing of future Tyne-Wear derbies.

Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Mathieson said the timing of the match may have contributed to the excessive drinking after the match and indicated that the timing of future high-profile games should be reviewed.

He said the match had passed off with few problems and that problems caused by "a minority of mindless idiots" had emerged many hours after the match.

He said: "This was predominantly fuelled by alcohol and probably as a result of people drinking all day, linked to the timing of the match."

Some of those involved in the trouble were well-known football hooligans, but there was no evidence to suggest the disorder had been orchestrated.

Fifty-six people were arrested in the city centre in the 12 hours after the game, and police said they would continue to pursue those involved.

Mr Mathieson said: "We are actively investigating the incident in the Bigg Market and we are currently reviewing CCTV footage to try to identify further offences we may have missed on the ground. Where these become clear, we will hunt down and arrest those involved."

In one of the most serious incidents after the game, about 50 disabled Sunderland fans were left badly shaken when a brick was thrown through the window of their coach as they left the ground.

The fans, aged up to 78, were attacked as they left the ground an hour after the final whistle. Freda Oyston, a partially blind mother-of-four, said: "We were all left shaken. We had a great day out and then this happens - it is unbelievable."

A Newcastle Club spokes-man said anyone found guilty of offences would be banned from the ground for life.