Newcastle players shun media as Sunderland comeback ignites stormy Tyne-Wear derby | OneFootball

Sunderland mounted a second-half turnaround at St James’ Park, then Newcastle players declined post-match written media duties, Sunderland Echo reports. A stormy Tyne-Wear derby left tempers frayed across the technical areas.

Régis Le Bris recalled Luke O’Nien for injured Dan Ballard, with Reinildo Mandava, Enzo Le Fée and Nordi Mukiele on the bench and Robin Roefs absent.

Newcastle struck early after an O’Nien error. Chemsdine Talbi drew a save from Aaron Ramsdale and Chris Rigg shot over, while Anthony Elanga hit the side-netting and Sven Botman headed against the post.

Sunderland struggled to keep the ball, with Ellborg’s distribution wavering. Anthony Taylor spoke to both benches after a touchline flashpoint, then Trai Hume’s late tackle prompted a confrontation involving Joelinton and Omar Alderete. Granit Xhaka spent much of the half remonstrating with team-mates.

Soon after the restart, play was halted for about three minutes amid reports of discriminatory abuse aimed at Lutsharel Geertruida. Taylor consulted both benches, Geertruida and Xhaka, before resuming the match.

Sunderland levelled when Ramsdale failed to claim a punch, Dan Burn clearing Brian Brobbey’s first effort off the line before Talbi finished. Sadiki was denied by Ramsdale, but Brobbey had the last word from close range after his initial shot was saved.

Sunderland celebrated in front of the away end as a subdued home lap unfolded. Rigg lingered to FaceTime family and, asked if he could be called a Mackem, replied, “Of course you can.” The win completed Sunderland’s first league double over Newcastle since 2014-15.

Source: Sunderland Echo