Newcastle vs Sunderland paused after reported racist abuse towards Lutsharel Geertruida | OneFootball

Newcastle United's Premier League derby with Sunderland was paused in the second half after a report of racist abuse towards Lutsharel Geertruida.

Referee Antony Taylor stopped play midway through the half, spoke with club officials and captains Kieran Trippier and Granit Xhaka at St James' Park, then restarted the match. The Premier League later confirmed the alleged discriminatory abuse via its Match Centre post.

An investigation will now be started. Under the league's three-step anti-discrimination protocol, stage one requires the referee to halt play and liaise with captains. The removal of players and potential abandonment, stages two and three, were not enacted.

Newcastle intend to participate in the investigation, maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination and committing to work with authorities to identify any individuals.

It was the first Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park since 2016, with tensions evident as fans clashed outside before kick-off. Sunderland won 2-1, Brian Brobbey scoring in the 90th minute.

Source: NY Times