Newcastle players shun media as Sunderland seal dramatic derby comeback at St James’ Park | OneFootball

Sunderland mounted a gripping second half turnaround at St James’ Park, then revelled with their travelling support as Newcastle’s players made a muted lap of appreciation after defeat.

According to Sunderland Echo, Newcastle offered no players to the written press afterwards. Before kick-off, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Florent Ghisolfi and Juan Sartori were pitchside, and a home banner mocked Sunderland’s absence from the top flight.

Régis Le Bris recalled Luke O’Nien for the injured Dan Ballard at centre-back alongside Omar Alderete. Reinildo, Enzo Le Fée and Nordi Mukiele were only fit enough for the bench, while Ballard and Robin Roefs missed out entirely. Granit Xhaka anchored midfield.

A defensive slip from O’Nien gifted Newcastle an early lead. Sunderland flickered, Talbi testing Aaron Ramsdale and Rigg firing over, while Sven Botman struck the post for the hosts. Ellborg’s distribution wobbled, the benches were warned after a touchline flashpoint and Trai Hume’s late tackle sparked a melee involving Joelinton and Alderete.

Early in the second half Anthony Taylor halted play after reports of discriminatory abuse towards Lutsharel Geertruida, consulting both benches plus Geertruida and Xhaka before restarting. Sunderland soon levelled as Talbi pounced after Ramsdale failed to gather, moments after Dan Burn cleared Brian Brobbey off the line. Brobbey later forced another save, then finished from close range late on.

Rigg lingered to salute the away end, sharing the moment on a video call, and said he could be called a Mackem. The win sealed Sunderland’s first league double over Newcastle since 2014-15.

Source: Sunderland Echo