A TEENAGER who allegedly invaded the pitch and pushed Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper during the Wear-Tyne derby has been released on bail, police said today.

The 17-year-old Sunderland fan was held by Northumbria Police following yesterday's sell-out 1-1 draw between the bitter Premier League rivals.

There were ugly scenes after the final whistle when opposing fans hurled seats at each other, and during the game referee Howard Webb spotted a miniature glass bottle which had been thrown on to the pitch.

Police said the arrested teenager was bailed until March, and that investigations were ongoing.

Officers arrested 24 people before, during and immediately after the lunchtime kick-off.

There was also trouble the last time the sides met, at Sunderland's Stadium of Light in October.

Manager Steve Bruce praised the Sunderland fans who handed the teenager over after his confrontation with Harper.

The Black Cats boss said: "All I saw was Steve Harper on the floor. I didn't know what had happened at the time.

"I would like say a well done to the Sunderland fans who gave the kid up - and he is a kid, that's what I can't understand either, the age of the lad."

Northumbria Police said the majority of fans behaved well, but a small number were intent on causing trouble.

Around 48,000 supporters attended the match at the Stadium of Light where there was a large police presence, who kept the supporters apart outside the ground by using an 8ft metal fence.

Despite warnings to troublemakers in the run-up to the game, some fans still caused problems, police said.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, match commander, said: "The crowd was mainly good-natured and the overwhelming majority wanted nothing more than to enjoy the action on the pitch in an atmosphere free from violence and disorder.

"However, there were still some troublemakers who were determined to spoil things for the genuine fans.

We had anticipated the potential for disorder and had the resources in place to deal with it swiftly and firmly.

"The policing operation went well and I would like to commend the actions and professionalism of all the officers involved who managed to defuse a number of difficult situations.

"I would also like to thank the stewards for their assistance."