Disgruntled Sunderland fans have been warned they face heightened security at Saturday's home game with Fulham after recent confrontations with police.

The club faces relegation from the Premiership and fans have called for a change in boardroom personnel.

But two recent end-of-match protests by supporters have ended in clashes with police outside the Stadium of Light.

Now the club and Northumbria Police have warned tough action will be taken against those "intent on disorder".

The club's head of safety and security, John Davidson, said: "It is important for fans to understand that there has been a small minority using the otherwise peaceful demonstration to cause disorder and they are affecting the safety of others.

Various offences

"I am sure fans would not condone any such behaviour and would wish to disassociate themselves from these actions."

During recent demonstrations outside the stadium main gates, there were scuffles with police, some of whom came under fire from thrown coins.

Several arrests were made for various offences and some court cases are pending.

A spokesman for fans' group Save Our Sunderland, urged supporters not to enter into violent demonstrations.

He said: "We ask fans to not get involved in any demonstration at the gates.

"Save our Sunderland do not condone any coin throwing or clashes with the police or stewards and urge fans to express their concerns in a peaceful and lawful manner in line with the request of the club."