Mags And Mackems Do NOT Mix - Period!

That fixture will take place just 15 miles away from where the Black Cats will be competing in the Amsterdam tournament, with games on the Friday and Sunday of that weekend.

That means fans of both clubs are likely to be boarding the same ferries and planes to the Netherlands for the pre-season friendlies and the situation has caused concern among supporters of both clubs.

I've travelled Europe with England and I can promise you ... the only fans that refuse to mix together - even following their national team ... are Newcastle and Sunderland.

West Ham keep themselves to themselves, and mix with nobody. But the Geordie/Mckem hate has surfaced many times at England games.

I remember in Sweden Mags pulling down a flag of St George at a campsite with SAFC painted on it. It was flushed down the toilet, which infuriated the other England fans.

Northumbria Police Supt Steve Neill: "We are already in discussions with the Dutch police in connection with the Sunderland fixtures and have officers there today.

"We will now look to liaise with the authorities in Utrecht over the Newcastle fixture.

"In relation to both games, 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 on Tyneside to prevent known troublemakers 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."

The red and whites open the annual pre-season tournament against Portuguese side Benfica on July 24, and two days later they play Atletico in the four-team contest.