Newcastle United players snub post-match media after Sunderland defeat as derby tempers boil over | OneFootball

Sunderland came from behind to win at St James's Park, then Newcastle United’s players declined post-match interviews with the written media. The contest featured flashpoints and a brief second-half stoppage after reports of discriminatory abuse.

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. Ballard and Robin Roefs were not in the squad.

Sunderland’s hierarchy Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Florent Ghisolfi and Juan Sartori were seen pitchside before kick-off. Newcastle fans unveiled a banner welcoming their rivals to the region’s capital, referencing Sunderland’s long top-flight absence.

An early O’Nien mistake gifted the hosts the opener, with Chris Rigg later shooting over after Talbi had tested Aaron Ramsdale. Sven Botman then headed against the post for Newcastle. Tempers rose as Anthony Taylor spoke to both benches and Trai Hume’s late tackle sparked a melee involving Joelinton and Omar Alderete.

Early in the second half, Taylor halted play after reports of discriminatory abuse directed at Lutsharel Geertruida, consulting both benches before the restart. Sunderland soon levelled, Talbi pouncing after Dan Burn cleared Brian Brobbey’s effort off the line and Aaron Ramsdale failed to deal cleanly with a punch. Noah Sadiki was denied before Brobbey forced in a late winner at the second attempt.

Sunderland celebrated with the away end as the hosts completed a muted lap of appreciation.

Rigg FaceTimed family and, asked if he was a Mackem, said, “Of course you can.” It sealed their first league double since 2014-15.

Source: Sunderland Echo