Newcastle United players snub media after Sunderland comeback as derby erupts at St James’ Park | OneFootball

Sunderland staged a stirring second-half comeback to win the Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, as tempers frayed and Newcastle United’s players declined post-match media duties.

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris recalled Luke O’Nien for injured Dan Ballard, with Reinildo, Enzo Le Fée and Nordi Mukiele on the bench as Robin Roefs sat out.

Senior Sunderland figures Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Florent Ghisolfi and Juan Sartori watched pitchside, while a home banner declared, “Welcome to the region’s capital, you’ve been gone for so long”.

Newcastle struck early after an O’Nien mistake, with Ramsdale stopping Talbi and Chris Rigg missing the target. Botman then headed against the post as tempers rose, the referee speaking to both benches and Granit Xhaka remonstrating with team-mates.

Early in the second half, referee Anthony Taylor halted play for around three minutes following reports of discriminatory abuse towards Lutsharel Geertruida. After consultations with both benches, the match resumed.

Sunderland equalised when Ramsdale failed to claim a punch, Dan Burn cleared Brobbey’s effort off the line and Talbi drove in. Brobbey settled it late on from close range after his first strike was saved.

Sunderland celebrated with their fans as Newcastle completed a muted lap of appreciation. No Newcastle players were offered to the written press after full-time.

Chris Rigg lingered to salute the away end, video calling family amid the noise, then answered a question about being a Mackem with, “Of course you can.” It capped Sunderland’s first league double over Newcastle since 2014-15.

Source: Sunderland Echo