Fan tries to say sorry over shove on keeper

The 17-year-old Sunderland fan, who was held by Northumbria Police following Sunday's sell-out 1-1 draw between the bitter Premier League rivals, was said to have turned up at Newcastle's training ground yesterday morning.

Harper was not at training, but a club official was there to hear the teenager, accompanied by his father, make a heart-felt apology.

His father was said not to have slept a wink and was "mortified", a source said.

"His intention was to apologise to the manager, the club and to Harper," the insider said. "He sat down with an official and could not have been more humble and full of remorse."

The teenager was arrested after he ran on the pitch and was later released on police bail until March.

Newcastle United declined to comment on the apology, as the club tried to draw a line under the events at the Stadium of Light.

There were ugly scenes after the final whistle when opposing fans hurled seats at each other, and during the game referee Howard Webb spotted a miniature glass bottle which had been thrown on to the pitch.

Northumbria Police said 33 arrests were made before, during and after the match. Officers held 24 Sunderland fans and nine Newcastle supporters.