The Football Association have urged supporters to behave at tonight's north London derby after admitting to concerns over the level of crowd violence creeping back into stadiums.

Arsenal take on Tottenham just four days after 29 arrests were made as Sunderland and Newcastle fans clashed at the Stadium of Light.

Five arrests were made at Arsenal's last home match against Everton when fans fought inside the ground.

A section of Spurs supporters were also condemned after directing homophobic chants towards Sol Campbell during their visit to Portsmouth last month.

The north London derby is always a high-profile fixture and has been given added spice with Spurs being rooted to the bottom of the table and Harry Redknapp's appointment as manager.

The game is also being screened live on Sky TV and the FA are keen to avoid more trouble as two fierce rivals clash at Emirates Stadium.

An FA spokesman said: "We have seen some incidents in the last two weeks which are completely unacceptable and have no place in football. The FA, clubs and police have been working hard to identify those involved.

"Our message to any fans planning on causing trouble is that there will be a joint approach between the football authorities and the police to deal in the strongest possible way with any troublemakers.”

Local police are not anticipating any trouble and have not increased the number of officers on duty in and around the stadium, a presence in excess of 400.

But a police source told Standard Sport that Arsenal fans started the trouble against Everton 11 days ago with a section of the upper tier above the visiting support throwing objects at those below them.

Some Everton fans aimed missiles back but only succeeding in hitting their own, before stewards stepped in and were met with “hostile and vociferous” action.

Several officers were assaulted but it is understood that police consider the match as a “one-off as Arsenal are a peaceful, decent club” and although 15 arrests were made when Spurs drew 1-1 in the Carling Cup back in February, this figure is considered to be “well within what was expected”.

Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor admitted feeling pity towards rivals Tottenham.

The Togo striker told talkSPORT: “I think every player feels sorry for them. At the moment Tottenham are really bad, they lack confidence and when you lack confidence it's always difficult to win games.”