Newcastle fan charged over running on pitch during Tyne-Wear derby

Mr West ended up on the ground after running onto the pitch

A Newcastle United fan has been charged with running onto the pitch during Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby with Premier League relegation rivals Sunderland.

Millions of television viewers saw John West run onto the pitch and hug Aleksandar Mitrovic after the Newcastle striker scored a late equaliser.

Police said Mr West, 35, from Durham, was handed an interim banning order ahead of a court appearance in April.

The game at St James' Park ended in a 1-1 draw.

Newcastle United's Aleksandar Mitrovic had to leapfrog Mr West after he got onto the pitch

After the match, which ended with 20 people being arrested, Northumbria Police said Mr West had been charged with going into the playing area of a designated football match.

A spokeswoman said: "He was handed an interim football banning order until his first appearance at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on 6 April."