West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has backed Newcastle United's decision to ban for life any fans proven to have caused trouble in the aftermath of the derby defeat by Sunderland.

Some 29 people have been arrested following sporadic violence in Newcastle city centre after the game on Sunday afternoon.

"The scenes in Newcastle were outside not inside. That is the difficulty that the police have then in handling them," the West Ham manager said.

"Just don't let them watch football anymore if they are football supporters. The worst thing for them every weekend is not being allowed to watch a live game."