Newcastle vow action after alleged racist abuse halts Tyne-Wear derby

Newcastle have vowed to track down those responsible for discriminatory abuse aimed at Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida during Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby.

Referee Anthony Taylor briefly paused the game and spoke to both managers and club officials during the second half of the Magpies’ 2-1 Premier League defeat by their neighbours at St James’ Park after an incident was reported to him.

Newcastle later said in a statement: “We are aware of a report of racism made by a visiting player against someone in the crowd during our Premier League match against Sunderland.

“Our stance is clear – we do not tolerate discrimination of any form. We will work with the authorities to fully investigate and will ensure any individuals are identified and held accountable.”

Sunderland praised Geertruida for “displaying bravery and leadership by reporting this incident to the match officials”.

They added in a statement: “Racism is completely unacceptable. It is abhorrent, and has no place in our game or in society.

“We acknowledge Newcastle United’s statement and expect those responsible to be identified and held accountable.”

The Premier League gave its “full support” to Geertruida and said anyone found guilty of discrimination would be punished.

Taylor was approached by Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka in the 52nd minute, when the game was already stopped due to an injury to Newcastle’s Sven Botman.

Taylor spoke to both sets of coaches, Xhaka and Geertruida before restarting the game.

The Premier League said in a statement on X: “There is no room for racism in our game or society, and any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences.”

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said it was “disgusting to see another report of racial abuse directed towards a player while simply doing their job”.

It added: “Calling out this shameful behaviour takes courage and Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida should have the support of every fan across the country in aiming to make football a safer place for everyone.

“This incident and the continued rise in reports of discrimination sent to Kick It Out this season highlight both the scale of the problem and that people are willing to stand up to it. Accountability must follow to show that it will not be tolerated.”

Newcastle were leading 1-0 at the time of the incident through Anthony Gordon’s early goal, but Sunderland came back to win 2-1 with goals from Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey.

Asked if he had spoken to Geertruida, victorious Black Cats coach Regis Le Bris said after the game: “We spoke just a bit before the press conference. He looks OK.

“It’s not acceptable and it’s important to report and to manage the situation properly. He looks OK, but we need to support him.”

Opposite number Eddie Howe said: “I don’t know too much about it. All I’d say is we don’t condone racism of any form and the club will investigate.”

Separately, Northumbria Police said three arrests were made amid the policing operation around the match.