Shay Given blasts "idiot" fans who fought at Newcastle-Sunderland derby

Shay Given has condemned the Sunderland fans who invaded the pitch and caused shameful scenes during the North-East derby as "idiots".

Supporters fought, hurled coins and bottles, and Given was confronted on the pitch by a fan who made a gesture at his face, as Sunderland's first home derby win in 28 years was soured by violence.

The Football Association have called on Northumbria police and Sunderland to identify the offenders and get them banned from football grounds for life by the courts.

However, Sunderland are understood to be extremely unlikely to be hit with a fine or punishment by the FA.

In a series of incidents, Joey Barton was pelted with bottles and coins as he warmed up, and when he tried to hand evidence to a policeman dressed in riot gear was ushered to the away dug-out.

The worst trouble flared on the final whistle when around 50 home fans surged on to the pitch and charged at the Newcastle fans in the South Stand. They were met head-on by Geordies, who leapt barriers to join in fighting.

Interim Toon boss Joe Kinnear also weighed in against the violence, describing the way Barton has been targeted as "unsavoury".

Questions are being asked about a sluggish police response and lack of stewards.

Rapid response officers were located outside the stadium and there was a delay before any concerted response was mustered by reinforcements.

And there was hardly any segregation in the stadium, with only a couple of rows of seats separating fans who have a history of trouble.

Keeper Given blasted: "A few idiots came on to the pitch near my goal. It was a bit unsavoury. I got a bit of abuse but I can't really repeat what they said.

"It's a shame really because Sunderland have waited a long time for this.

"We don't want to lose passion but people running on to the pitch and shouting in players' faces, that's stupidity.

"You're feeling low enough after conceding a goal so the last thing you want is-wsome idiot coming on and roaring abuse in your face."

Kinnear said: "It is unacceptable. It doesn't matter which club you are playing for or who you are. The FA need to address it."

Newcastle laid on coaches to the game but 1,000 fans travelled separately, causing problems after the match.

Police say 29 arrests were made, one officer broke a wrist during scuffles, and a police woman and her horse were injured by a firework.

Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay, head of the force's Operations Unit, said: "There will be a post-match inquiry to identify and arrest those who committed offences."

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