Newcastle v Sunderland meeting brought forward

Premier League match on February 1 will now be an early kick-off

A view of Newcastle United's St James' Park (GETTY IMAGES)

Next month's Tyne-Wear derby clash between Newcastle and Sunderland will now kick off at 12.45pm.

The game at St James' Park on Saturday, February 1 was initially due to get under way at 3pm, but is not being broadcast live and the start has now been brought forward.

Trouble flared in Newcastle city centre on April 14 last year after the Black Cats had won 3-0 in the Barclays Premier League at St James'.