TYNESIDE'S reputation as a welcoming place for football fans of all persuasions didn't impress one group of Wanderers fans last Sunday (27).

Not only were they not amused by their team's second half performance but they were also incensed that the most vocal member of the band was silenced - for making too much noise!

"It was ridiculous," said one fan sitting close to the offender.

"This lad of about 18 was told by a steward that he'd be thrown out if he didn't shut up - and all he was doing was poking fun at the Newcastle fans for being so quiet.

"Those 'wonderful' fans they have up there must have very thin skins if they took exception to the fun he was having at their expense.

"There was no swearing and no racism, this guy just had us in stitches. At one point he shouted over to the silent Newcastle supporters 'Is there anybody out there?'

"It was so muted after he was told to shut up. He looked thoroughly miserable in the second half."