Police are ready to target known troublemakers after it emerged that both Newcastle and Sunderland are due to play just 30 miles apart in the Holland during the final weekend of the month. The Black Cats are taking part in the famous Amsterdam Tournament, during which they will face Benfica and Atletico Madrid at the Amsterdam ArenA on July 24 and 26, the latter game taking place on the same day that Magpies are scheduled to face FC Utrecht.

However, Northumbria Police, who have been in contact with the Dutch authorities since the fixture clash was announced, are ready to head off trouble before it can start.

Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay, head of the operations department, said: "We were approached by the Dutch authorities in connection with these fixtures and offered our views and advice in relation to policing the matches.

"We will look to see what support we can offer to ensure all fans travelling are able to do so safely.

"We will also be mounting a series of operations to prevent known troublemakers from making the journey.

"We know the vast majority of fans making the trip will be law-abiding and we want to make sure they can enjoy the football without it being spoiled by a mindless minority."