Newcastle players avoid media after Sunderland’s derby comeback as tempers flare at St James’ Park | OneFootball

Sunderland staged a rousing second-half comeback at St James’ Park, a fiery derby that included a stoppage for reported discriminatory abuse, then ended with Newcastle’s players declining post-match written media duties after defeat.

According to Sunderland Echo, club chiefs Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Florent Ghisolfi and Juan Sartori watched pitchside before kick-off, while a home-end banner welcomed Sunderland back to Tyneside with a pointed claim about the region’s capital.

Régis Le Bris recalled Luke O’Nien for the injured Dan Ballard, hamstring, with Reinildo Mandava, Enzo Le Fée and Nordi Mukiele only fit for the bench, while Robin Roefs missed out entirely.

Newcastle led early after an O’Nien error. Chemsdine Talbi drew a save from Aaron Ramsdale and Chris Rigg shot over. Tempers flared as benches were warned, Trai Hume’s late tackle sparked a melee involving Joelinton and Omar Alderete, and Granit Xhaka raged at team-mates.

After the interval, referee Anthony Taylor halted play following reports of discriminatory abuse aimed at Lutsharel Geertruida, consulting both benches and senior players before restarting. Sunderland levelled when Ramsdale failed to claim a punch, Dan Burn cleared Brian Brobbey’s effort, and Talbi thumped in the rebound.

Brobbey scrambled a late winner after his initial shot was saved. Sunderland celebrated with the away end, Newcastle’s players took a muted lap and none spoke to the written press. Rigg lingered to FaceTime family, replying to whether he is a Mackem, “Of course you can”, and the visitors sealed their first league double since 2014-15.

Source: Sunderland Echo