Violent clashes broke out between Newcastle and Sunderland supporters outside St James' Park before Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby, prompting a heavy police presence. Eyewitnesses reported that a small group of travelling Sunderland fans broke away from their police escort and confronted home fans, leading to skirmishes. The Daily Mail reported that CPR was administered to one individual before they were taken away.
The match itself saw Sunderland secure a 2-1 victory, their first at St James' Park in a decade, with goals from Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey after Anthony Gordon had opened the scoring for Newcastle. However, the game was temporarily halted in the second half after an allegation of discriminatory abuse aimed at Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida.
The Premier League issued a statement confirming the pause, saying: 'Today’s match between Newcastle United and Sunderland was temporarily paused during the second half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida. This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident at St James’ Park will now be fully investigated.'
Northumbria Police had earlier advised Sunderland fans to arrive at Newcastle Central Station by 10.15am for a police-escorted walk to the stadium. Chief Superintendent Hall warned: 'There will be zero tolerance for anyone who is intent on using the game as an excuse to cause trouble. Anyone found responsible will subsequently face robust action, including criminal prosecution and being handed a football banning order.'
