Police have started an investigation into alleged racist abuse during Sunday's draw between Sunderland and Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.

Northumbria Police have said that 15 arrests were made in relation to the incident-packed 1-1 draw between the local rivals.

"There was one report of racist language having been used by a supporter in one area of the stadium - enquiries into this report are ongoing," said a Northumbria Police spokesman.

Six of the 15 arrests were made during a pre-planned operation in the early hours of Sunday morning.