Sunderland’s Tyne-Wear derby victory at Newcastle was overshadowed by reports that Lutsharel Geertruida had been the subject of racist abuse from home fans.
The Premier League will now investigate after the referee, Anthony Taylor, stopped the match in line with the league’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol early in the second half.
With play already temporarily halted as Newcastle’s Sven Botman received treatment for a 52nd-minute head injury, Taylor was approached by Granit Xhaka, the Sunderland captain, who informed him of the alleged abuse aimed at Geertruida.
Taylor spoke to both managers, Sunderland’s Régis Le Bris and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, as well as Xhaka and Geertruida before restarting the game. Afterwards Le Bris said he had discussed the incident with Geertruida and the defender “looks OK”. Howe said he “did not want to say too much” about the incident but that he condemned racist abuse.
A social media post from the Premier League Match Centre said: “The incident at St James’ Park will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
In a statement, Newcastle said: “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.”
After the game Sunderland also released a statement: “Sunderland AFC is aware of the reported incident of racist abuse directed at Lutsharel Geertruida during today’s fixture at St. James’ Park. We stand with Lutsharel, who has our complete backing, and we commend him for displaying bravery and leadership by reporting this incident to the match officials. Racism is completely unacceptable. It is abhorrent, and has no place in our game or in society.”
Promoted Sunderland came from behind to win 2-1 and secure a Tyneside-Wear derby double this season thanks to Brian Brobbey’s 90th minute winner. It capped an awful week for Howe whose side lost 7-2 at Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday night
“It’s very very painful, most of all for our supporters,” said Newcastle’s manager. “I’ve got very little to use as an excuse. We haven’t performed and we haven’t delivered so we expect to be criticised. Whatever words you want to use I’m not going to challenge them. The only thing we can so is to come back stronger.”
Howe though reiterated he remains determined to turn things round. “I’m fully committed to the job,” he said. “I’m disappointed in my delivery today and during the last week. The Barcelona game was very tough, this is even tougher. It’s going to be a tough, painful few days for me. You never want to go through this.”
A delighted Le Bris said: “It’s a big achievement. The stadium was very demanding and challenging. Today was very tough and we were just about on the edge but we had the answers. We have to enjoy this moment.”
Northumbria police made one arrest during pre-match skirmishes between rival fans.
