Newcastle United players snub media as Sunderland seal fiery derby comeback | OneFootball

Sunderland staged a late comeback to win a fiery Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, a contest laced with flashpoints on and off the pitch.

According to Sunderland Echo, no Newcastle United players were put forward to the written press after full-time as frustration grew around the ground.

Régis Le Bris recalled Luke O’Nien after Dan Ballard’s hamstring setback, with Reinildo, Enzo Le Fée and Nordi Mukiele only fit for the bench and Robin Roefs missing out. Sunderland’s hierarchy, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Florent Ghisolfi and Juan Sartori, were pitchside pre-match, while a home banner greeted their rivals and referenced their long absence.

Newcastle struck first following an O’Nien error. Chemsdine Talbi drew a save from Aaron Ramsdale and Chris Rigg fired over, while Anthony Elanga hit the side netting and Sven Botman headed against a post. Benches were warned after a touchline flashpoint, Trai Hume’s late tackle triggered a melee, Ellborg’s kicking faltered and Granit Xhaka cut a frustrated figure.

Early in the second half Anthony Taylor halted play after reports of discriminatory abuse directed at Lutsharel Geertruida. Soon after, Dan Burn cleared Brian Brobbey’s effort off the line before Talbi pounced when Ramsdale failed to deal cleanly with a punch. Brobbey then converted from close range late on after his first attempt was saved.

Sunderland celebrated in front of the away end as a subdued home lap followed. Rigg lingered to share the moment on FaceTime, replying when asked if he could now be called a Mackem, ‘Of course you can’. The result secured Sunderland’s first league double over Newcastle since the 2014-15 season.

Source: Sunderland Echo