A TEENAGER alleged to have shoved Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper during the Wear-Tyne derby has reportedly tried to apologise to the player face to face.

The 17-year-old Sunderland fan, who was held by Northumbria Police following yesterday's sell-out 1-1 draw between the bitter Premier League rivals, was said to have turned up at Newcastle's training ground this morning.

Harper was not at training today, but a club official was there to hear the teenager, accompanied by his father, make a heart-felt apology.

His father was said not to have slept a wink and was mortified, a source said.

His intention was to apologise to the manager, the club and to Harper, the insider said.

"He sat down with a club official and he could not have been more humble and full of remorse."

The teenager was arrested after he ran on the pitch and was later released on police bail until March. Northumbria Police said inquiries were ongoing.

Newcastle United declined to comment on the apology, as the club tried to draw a line under the events at the Stadium of Light.

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.

Northumbria Police said 33 arrests were made before, during and after the match. Officers held 24 Sunderland fans and nine Newcastle supporters.

It was a repeat of the trouble which happened last time the two sides met at the Stadium of Light, in 2008, and incidents will be reported to the Football Association by match officials.

Sunderland bosses vowed to take appropriate action against so-called fans who caused trouble at the derby.

The club released a statement saying: "The vast majority of fans in the 48,000 capacity crowd behaved very well and we thank them for their loyal support.

"Sunderland AFC operates a zero tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour of any kind within the Stadium of Light, and we are proud of our reputation as a family club.

"Working closely with Northumbria Police, we will ensure that appropriate action is taken against anyone found to have been involved in any such behaviour at yesterday's game.

"The club also recognises the positive role Sunderland supporters played in helping to identify the small minority responsible for anti-social behaviour to stewards and the police."