North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have taken the rare step of issuing a joint statement warning their fans against "anti-social behavior" when the clubs meet in their first derby of the season on Saturday.

The match, at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, marks the 125th anniversary of their first meeting in November 1887 between the embryonic sides that evolved into Arsenal and Spurs and comes at a time of renewed interest in unacceptable behavior at soccer games.

The statement, issued on the websites of both clubs on Friday, says: "Both clubs are actively encouraging all fans to focus on getting behind their team and enjoying what promises to be a great match on Saturday.

"A north London derby is always a special occasion and we hope Saturday's match will be remembered for both the action on the pitch, as well as the positive support for both teams off it.

"All fans should be aware that breaches of stadium regulations - including anti-social behavior - will not be tolerated."

A statement on Tottenham's website read: "As part of our desire for a wider debate and action on how to collectively eradicate anti-Semitism from our footballing community, the club has arranged to meet with Kick It Out and the Metropolitan Police next week in order to discuss measures to be taken both inside and outside stadia."