Never have the stakes been higher for a North-East derby as Newcastle and Middlesbrough do battle in a massive six-pointer at St James’ Park.

Denmark, Norway and Scotland have earned extra places in the qualifying round for next season’s Europa League.

Norway leads UEFA’s Fair Play rankings, followed by teams from Denmark and Scotland, Europe’s governing body has confirmed.

The extra places for the Europa League—formerly known as the UEFA Cup— will be given to the winners of the trio’s domestic fair play competitions, which have yet to be announced. If this club has already qualified for a UEFA competition, the second-placed team in the domestic fair play competition may be entered and, should they also have already qualified, the third-placed side would be considered and so forth.

The Fair Play assessments are made by the official UEFA delegates on criteria such as positive play, respect for the opponent, respect for the referee, behaviour of the crowd and of team officials, as well as cautions and dismissals.

Never have the stakes been higher for a North-East derby as Newcastle and Middlesbrough do battle in a massive six-pointer at St James’ Park.

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