Police have made two further arrests after yesterday's football riots in Newcastle to take the number to 29 and revealed that a horse punched by a fan 'appears fine' today.
The blow caused Bud the West Yorkshire Police horse to rear up in pain, almost throwing its rider to the ground.
Following concern for his health, the force released two pictures of Bud in his paddock this morning.
The attack happened in scenes reminiscent of the dark days of football riots in England in the 1970s and 80s, fans clashed with police and each other.
More than 100 Newcastle supporters rampaged through the streets after their team lost 3-0 to Sunderland at St James' Park.
Today it also emerged that even before the riots a disabled fan was left with burns after a flare was thrown from an upper tier of the stadium.
Carl McVay was enjoying the match with his father when he was hit and left with burns to his upper right arm after being pelted with a flare by Sunderland fans.
Father George, 52, of North Shields, North Tyneside, said: 'He was upset and panicking because of all the smoke and was just beyond himself.
'The thing that upset him the most was the fact that we weren't going to go, because I lost my father this week and he really didn't want to go.
'But my old man was an avid Newcastle supporter and we knew that's really what he would've wanted.'
He added: 'We have been season ticket-holders for four years and we have never had anything like this happen before.'
There have been 29 arrests and dozens more are expected in the coming days as police study CCTV images of the rioting. Three officers were also injured with one taken to hospital.
Police described the violence as the ‘worst for decades’ as fans hurled bottles, bricks and missiles at officers and rival supporters. The horse which was attacked was one of several being used by police to control the crowds.
A middle-aged, unidentified man wearing a Newcastle United shirt and with a black scarf covering the lower half of his face ran up to the animal and punched it in the neck.
The man was wrestled to the ground by police, handcuffed and arrested. He is expected to appear before magistrates this morning.
Following widespread concern, the West Yorkshire Police Mounted Section said on Twitter today: 'This is Bud the morning after Newcastle, he is in the paddock and appears fine, thanks everyone for the concern.'
The account added later: 'We have no injuries to other horses, bud will be rested today and then brought back into work.'
Even before the game began Newcastle fans were needling Sunderland as they Nazi saluted the team bus on its arrival at the ground with manager Di Canio on board.
As police escorted Sunderland fans to the train station once the match had finished chaos ensued as defeated Newcastle fans began to attack their rivals.
Police and Sunderland fans desperately tried to shield themselves from the missiles which were being thrown from all directions.
Terrified workers at Newcastle train station locked the doors to keep out the rioters and protect the people inside.
Officers on horseback charged at fans but instead of keeping back some pushed back at the police instead.
Some unruly fans, who taunted the police and rival supporters as they walked through the streets, were wrestled to the ground by officers.
A photographer had a narrow escape when a smoke canister was thrown in his direction from the crowd.
A police officer at the scene said: 'This is the worst rioting I have seen in the city centre for decades.'
A shocked shopper added: 'It was terrifying and complete chaos. The Newcastle fans were chucking flares, bits of pavement, rocks, anything they could get their hands on.
'Wheelie bins were set alight causing the police horses to rear up in fear. I don't know if anybody has been hurt or not.'
The violence followed ugly scenes on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in north-west London in the Millwall supporters' area.
The south London club lost their FA Cup semi-final against Wigan and fights erupted among the supporters, leaving some fans with bloodied noses and younger ones weeping as they watched fans and officers clash.
Supporters were filmed rushing at police, and one man was seen appearing to hide an officer's hat underneath his coat and walk away from the row laughing.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed 14 fans were arrested, 12 from Millwall. Four police officers received minor injuries in the trouble, some of which was shown live on television.
Meanwhile, Northumbria police expect to make more arrests in relation to yesterday's disorder over the coming days once officers have gathered CCTV evidence.
A force spokeswoman said: 'The most serious incident involved a group of Newcastle fans in Central Station attempting to confront Sunderland supporters, but they were intercepted by officers from British Transport Police.
'During this incident missiles were thrown at the officers, which resulted in three injuries to officers - one of them requiring assessment at hospital.
'Police said they received reports of minor incidents, including the release of smoke canisters, before and during the match.
'It is believed that Newcastle fans were also involved in a series of sporadic incidents of disorder in the city centre following the match.'
Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, added: 'The vast majority of fans were well behaved today (Sunday) and enjoyed the Tyne-Wear derby for the great occasion that it is.
'Disappointingly, there was some disorder involving what appear to be Newcastle United supporters following the match in the city centre, including an incident at Central Station.
'Disruptive behaviour of any kind is not tolerated. Inquiries will take place into these incidents and action will be taken against all those involved.
'This was very much a partnership operation and a lot of planning went into what is a large scale policing operation to ensure that genuine fans were able to enjoy the game.
'Public safety is always our number one priority during any football match.
'For those who chose to get involved in disruptive behaviour they were either dealt with swiftly by officers or will be subject to retrospective action at a later date.'
More than 50,000 people were at the match and Sunderland supporters were held inside the ground for 20 minutes after the final whistle before being escorted to coaches and the station.
Yesterday's fixture in the North East was the first time the clubs have met since Sunderland appointed Italian Paolo Di Canio as manager.
His arrival at the Stadium of Light has been surrounded by controversy because of his political views.
Former foriegn secretary David Miliband resigned from the Sunderland board following Di Canio's appointment.
The former Lazio player had previously been quoted as saying he was a 'fascist not a racist' and was pictured giving what appeared to be a 'Roman salute' to supporters at the Rome club.
Newcastle fans had been warned ahead of the match not to make any racist or fascist gestures towards Sunderland supporters.
Chief Supt Steve Neill, in charge of derby-day policing, told fans that any offensive gestures in or around St James' Park would not be tolerated.
Speaking last week he said: 'Offensive gestures, particularly those with a suggestion of racist connotations, are completely unacceptable and we will take positive action against anyone seen acting in an offensive or racist manner.
'While some individuals may see this sort of behaviour as a means of poking fun at opposing fans, it is not a joke.
'Offensive behaviour can constitute a criminal offence and such behaviour is taken seriously.'
He also reminded fans there would be CCTV at the match. He added: 'Football matches are routinely monitored by CCTV.
'Even if action is not taken during the match, it can be checked retrospectively and we have demonstrated on numerous previous occasions our ability to trace offenders and put them before the courts, which can lead to a criminal record and possible football banning order.
'I would urge fans to act responsibly and reflect upon the impact any form of disorder or offensive behaviour has on others, themselves, the reputation of both clubs and the North East.'
Meanwhile, Millwall have vowed to do all they can to root out the troublemakers following Saturday's disgraceful scenes inside the national stadium, but are aware the reputation they have worked tirelessly to rebuild is in danger of being wrecked.
'As a club we are devastated by the scenes we saw yesterday (Saturday), which are in danger of undoing much of the good work we have done to try and change the perception of the club,' said a Millwall spokesman.
'We are trying to find the answers to what happened.'
A spokesman said it could not provide a breakdown of which arrests were Millwall and which Wigan, but the two Wigan supporters were not involved in disorder with Millwall fans.
Four of the arrests were for affray, one for affray and possession of Class A drugs, one for affray and assault on police, two for public order offences, one for assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of Class A drugs, one for a racially-aggravated public order offence, one for ticket touting, one for possession of Class A drugs, one for theft and possession of offensive weapon, and one for breach of a banning order.
The police spokesman said: 'A number of lines of inquiry are being pursued. There will be a significant post-match review and further investigation will take place to identify those responsible for committing offences.'
The information is the latest stage of a combined investigation, involving the police, FA and Millwall aimed at finding out the reasons why Saturday's game attracted so much trouble.
There has already been criticism in some quarters for the evening kick-off time, which offered supporters the chance to consume an excess of alcohol.
Some Millwall supporters were seen drinking heavily in the car parks around Wembley two hours before the match was due to start.
Privately though, the FA do not feel this is a significant issue given the number of high-profile matches at the stadium that have had evening kick-offs, including, two seasons ago, a Manchester derby semi-final, and last year an all-Merseyside encounter.
In addition, Millwall featured in League One play-off finals in both 2009 and 2010 and both passed off peacefully.
It is for this reason that officials of the south London outfit do not believe the fact some tickets were put on general sale will prove to be significant in the trouble as they have adopted exactly the same procedure in the past.
The club were as astounded by the apparent sight of their own fans fighting with each other, which has led some to privately wonder whether there was a premeditated element to the disorder.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett said: 'I know how hard the directors have worked to give the club a good image in recent years.
'We've overcome many hurdles in that area. It has no part in football, it's not what people go to football for.'
The blow caused Bud the West Yorkshire Police horse to rear up in pain, almost throwing its rider to the ground.
Following concern for his health, the force released two pictures of Bud in his paddock this morning.
The attack happened in scenes reminiscent of the dark days of football riots in England in the 1970s and 80s, fans clashed with police and each other.
More than 100 Newcastle supporters rampaged through the streets after their team lost 3-0 to Sunderland at St James' Park.
Today it also emerged that even before the riots a disabled fan was left with burns after a flare was thrown from an upper tier of the stadium.
Carl McVay was enjoying the match with his father when he was hit and left with burns to his upper right arm after being pelted with a flare by Sunderland fans.
Father George, 52, of North Shields, North Tyneside, said: 'He was upset and panicking because of all the smoke and was just beyond himself.
'The thing that upset him the most was the fact that we weren't going to go, because I lost my father this week and he really didn't want to go.
'But my old man was an avid Newcastle supporter and we knew that's really what he would've wanted.'
He added: 'We have been season ticket-holders for four years and we have never had anything like this happen before.'
There have been 29 arrests and dozens more are expected in the coming days as police study CCTV images of the rioting. Three officers were also injured with one taken to hospital.
Police described the violence as the ‘worst for decades’ as fans hurled bottles, bricks and missiles at officers and rival supporters. The horse which was attacked was one of several being used by police to control the crowds.
A middle-aged, unidentified man wearing a Newcastle United shirt and with a black scarf covering the lower half of his face ran up to the animal and punched it in the neck.
The man was wrestled to the ground by police, handcuffed and arrested. He is expected to appear before magistrates this morning.
Following widespread concern, the West Yorkshire Police Mounted Section said on Twitter today: 'This is Bud the morning after Newcastle, he is in the paddock and appears fine, thanks everyone for the concern.'
The account added later: 'We have no injuries to other horses, bud will be rested today and then brought back into work.'
Even before the game began Newcastle fans were needling Sunderland as they Nazi saluted the team bus on its arrival at the ground with manager Di Canio on board.
As police escorted Sunderland fans to the train station once the match had finished chaos ensued as defeated Newcastle fans began to attack their rivals.
Police and Sunderland fans desperately tried to shield themselves from the missiles which were being thrown from all directions.
Terrified workers at Newcastle train station locked the doors to keep out the rioters and protect the people inside.
Officers on horseback charged at fans but instead of keeping back some pushed back at the police instead.
Some unruly fans, who taunted the police and rival supporters as they walked through the streets, were wrestled to the ground by officers.
A photographer had a narrow escape when a smoke canister was thrown in his direction from the crowd.
A police officer at the scene said: 'This is the worst rioting I have seen in the city centre for decades.'
A shocked shopper added: 'It was terrifying and complete chaos. The Newcastle fans were chucking flares, bits of pavement, rocks, anything they could get their hands on.
'Wheelie bins were set alight causing the police horses to rear up in fear. I don't know if anybody has been hurt or not.'
The violence followed ugly scenes on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in north-west London in the Millwall supporters' area.
The south London club lost their FA Cup semi-final against Wigan and fights erupted among the supporters, leaving some fans with bloodied noses and younger ones weeping as they watched fans and officers clash.
Supporters were filmed rushing at police, and one man was seen appearing to hide an officer's hat underneath his coat and walk away from the row laughing.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed 14 fans were arrested, 12 from Millwall. Four police officers received minor injuries in the trouble, some of which was shown live on television.
Meanwhile, Northumbria police expect to make more arrests in relation to yesterday's disorder over the coming days once officers have gathered CCTV evidence.
A force spokeswoman said: 'The most serious incident involved a group of Newcastle fans in Central Station attempting to confront Sunderland supporters, but they were intercepted by officers from British Transport Police.
'During this incident missiles were thrown at the officers, which resulted in three injuries to officers - one of them requiring assessment at hospital.
'Police said they received reports of minor incidents, including the release of smoke canisters, before and during the match.
'It is believed that Newcastle fans were also involved in a series of sporadic incidents of disorder in the city centre following the match.'
Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, added: 'The vast majority of fans were well behaved today (Sunday) and enjoyed the Tyne-Wear derby for the great occasion that it is.
'Disappointingly, there was some disorder involving what appear to be Newcastle United supporters following the match in the city centre, including an incident at Central Station.
'Disruptive behaviour of any kind is not tolerated. Inquiries will take place into these incidents and action will be taken against all those involved.
'This was very much a partnership operation and a lot of planning went into what is a large scale policing operation to ensure that genuine fans were able to enjoy the game.
'Public safety is always our number one priority during any football match.
'For those who chose to get involved in disruptive behaviour they were either dealt with swiftly by officers or will be subject to retrospective action at a later date.'
More than 50,000 people were at the match and Sunderland supporters were held inside the ground for 20 minutes after the final whistle before being escorted to coaches and the station.
Yesterday's fixture in the North East was the first time the clubs have met since Sunderland appointed Italian Paolo Di Canio as manager.
His arrival at the Stadium of Light has been surrounded by controversy because of his political views.
Former foriegn secretary David Miliband resigned from the Sunderland board following Di Canio's appointment.
The former Lazio player had previously been quoted as saying he was a 'fascist not a racist' and was pictured giving what appeared to be a 'Roman salute' to supporters at the Rome club.
Newcastle fans had been warned ahead of the match not to make any racist or fascist gestures towards Sunderland supporters.
Chief Supt Steve Neill, in charge of derby-day policing, told fans that any offensive gestures in or around St James' Park would not be tolerated.
Speaking last week he said: 'Offensive gestures, particularly those with a suggestion of racist connotations, are completely unacceptable and we will take positive action against anyone seen acting in an offensive or racist manner.
'While some individuals may see this sort of behaviour as a means of poking fun at opposing fans, it is not a joke.
'Offensive behaviour can constitute a criminal offence and such behaviour is taken seriously.'
He also reminded fans there would be CCTV at the match. He added: 'Football matches are routinely monitored by CCTV.
'Even if action is not taken during the match, it can be checked retrospectively and we have demonstrated on numerous previous occasions our ability to trace offenders and put them before the courts, which can lead to a criminal record and possible football banning order.
'I would urge fans to act responsibly and reflect upon the impact any form of disorder or offensive behaviour has on others, themselves, the reputation of both clubs and the North East.'
Meanwhile, Millwall have vowed to do all they can to root out the troublemakers following Saturday's disgraceful scenes inside the national stadium, but are aware the reputation they have worked tirelessly to rebuild is in danger of being wrecked.
'As a club we are devastated by the scenes we saw yesterday (Saturday), which are in danger of undoing much of the good work we have done to try and change the perception of the club,' said a Millwall spokesman.
'We are trying to find the answers to what happened.'
A spokesman said it could not provide a breakdown of which arrests were Millwall and which Wigan, but the two Wigan supporters were not involved in disorder with Millwall fans.
Four of the arrests were for affray, one for affray and possession of Class A drugs, one for affray and assault on police, two for public order offences, one for assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of Class A drugs, one for a racially-aggravated public order offence, one for ticket touting, one for possession of Class A drugs, one for theft and possession of offensive weapon, and one for breach of a banning order.
The police spokesman said: 'A number of lines of inquiry are being pursued. There will be a significant post-match review and further investigation will take place to identify those responsible for committing offences.'
The information is the latest stage of a combined investigation, involving the police, FA and Millwall aimed at finding out the reasons why Saturday's game attracted so much trouble.
There has already been criticism in some quarters for the evening kick-off time, which offered supporters the chance to consume an excess of alcohol.
Some Millwall supporters were seen drinking heavily in the car parks around Wembley two hours before the match was due to start.
Privately though, the FA do not feel this is a significant issue given the number of high-profile matches at the stadium that have had evening kick-offs, including, two seasons ago, a Manchester derby semi-final, and last year an all-Merseyside encounter.
In addition, Millwall featured in League One play-off finals in both 2009 and 2010 and both passed off peacefully.
It is for this reason that officials of the south London outfit do not believe the fact some tickets were put on general sale will prove to be significant in the trouble as they have adopted exactly the same procedure in the past.
The club were as astounded by the apparent sight of their own fans fighting with each other, which has led some to privately wonder whether there was a premeditated element to the disorder.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett said: 'I know how hard the directors have worked to give the club a good image in recent years.
'We've overcome many hurdles in that area. It has no part in football, it's not what people go to football for.'
Source: DailyMail
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