A man has been charged following a disruptive incident during a football match at Dunston Football Club on Wellington Road in Gateshead. The episode unfolded just before 8.20pm on Friday, July 21, when two vehicles, a Subaru and a hearse, breached the pitch during half-time of the Dunston UTS v Gateshead match.

Witnesses reported the vehicles circling the pitch before a group of individuals wearing balaclavas emerged, tossing leaflets onto the field. The Subaru swiftly departed before law enforcement arrived, leaving the hearse abandoned on the pitch.

An investigation was initiated, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals. A 29-year-old man has been charged with one count of causing criminal damage and a public order offence related to the football club incident. He is scheduled to appear before magistrates in South Tyneside later this month.

Two men, aged 41 and 29, are still under investigation, while two others, aged 42 and 40, are on police bail. Seven individuals arrested in connection with the disturbance will face no further action.

Northumbria Police encourage anyone with additional information about the July 21 incident to report it through the ‘Report’ page on their website or by calling 101, quoting reference number NP-20230721-1154.