Shocking footage has emerged of a mass brawl breaking out inside a packed bar following Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby. Bitter rivals Sunderland and Newcastle faced off in the Premier League for the first time in nearly a decade.
An own goal from Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade gave Sunderland all the points at the Stadium of Light, sending the home fans wild with happiness. But there were ugly scenes at a bar where the match was screened.
Violence broke out shortly after the full-time whistle, as a video which has gone viral on social media shows around 15 people fighting with one another. The screams of women and children could be heard as things turned ugly.
A man can be seen falling over a table and onto the floor after a chair was thrown overhead. A woman wearing a Newcastle shirt then desperately scrambles away on her knees, as a wave of bodies comes towards her. The same man picks up a table in retaliation, hurling it at two others men in tracksuits. Punches are then thrown as chairs fly across the room.
Eventually, the chaos stopped. Some revellers left the room while others went to the other side for safety, with the wails from the horrified children still going.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Just after 4pm yesterday (Sunday), we were called to a premises on Stone Cellar Road in Washington in response to a report of a disturbance. It was reported a number of people were fighting inside. Upon officer arrival, many of those believed to have been involved had left the area. Enquiries into the report are ongoing to identify anyone involved in the altercation. Anyone with information is asked to get in touch by sending us a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or ‘report’ form function on our website. Those who can’t contact us online, should call 101. Please quote reference number: 144619S/25.”
