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Middlesbrough v Sunderland: Large police presence for Championship derby

Getty Images Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham holds off Middlesbrough's Josh Coburn during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Middlesbrough at the Stadium Of LightGetty Images
Sunderland's Championship clash with Middlesbrough kicks off at 12:00 GMT on 4 Feb

Officers have said there will be a large police presence as football fans come together for a Championship derby.

Sunderland AFC travel to neighbouring Middlesbrough's Riverside stadium on Sunday, with around 32,000 people expected to attend.

Cleveland Police said there would be a large presence in and around the Middlesbrough town centre area.

The force warned anyone causing disorder would be "dealt with robustly".

Middlesbrough FC said it had sold more than 32,000 tickets with Sunderland bringing 2,000 supporters.

Fans from each club are advised to take different routes in and out of the stadium.

Cleveland Police said it would be working alongside Northumbria Police Mounted Section officers, British Transport Police and Durham Constabulary officers.

T/Supt Paul Richardson said: "We know that the majority of supporters come to the game to enjoy the match in a responsible manner.

"Anyone who intends to use the game as an excuse to cause disorder will be dealt with robustly and those people could find themselves with a banning order or facing a criminal prosecution."

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