Newcastle release furious statement on alleged racial abuse that halted Sunderland derby

Newcastle have released a statement after the Tyne-Wear derby between the Magpies and Sunderland was halted due to an allegation of discriminatory abuse aimed at Lutsharel Geertuida. The incident took place in the 50th minute when referee Anthony Taylor summoned both captains, Kieran Trippier and Granit Xhaka, to the dugout to discuss the issue with the two benches.

Newcastle's Sven Botman had suffered a head injury before Xhaka brought it to the attention of Taylor, and it was soon claimed that racial abuse had been directed towards Geertruida. A Newcastle club spokesperson 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."

The Premier League Match Centre explained: "#NEWSUN Today's match between Newcastle United and Sunderland was temporarily paused during the second half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida.

"This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident at St James' Park will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs."

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Newcastle were leading 1-0 at the time of the incident thanks to a first-half strike from Anthony Gordon, but the Magpies were unable to hold on as Sunderland levelled in the 57th minute. Chemsdine Talbi grabbed the equaliser, as he bundled home from close range after Brian Bobbey's effort was blocked.

Although the Black Cats were the side in control and pushing to go in front from that point, Newcastle thought they had made it 2-1 in the 76th minute as Malick Thiaw powered a header beyond Melker Ellborg. But Taylor disallowed the goal as Jacob Murphy was judged to have blocked Ellborg in an offside position.

And it proved to be Sunderland that won the game with Brobbey firing home in the 90th minute to seal a famous derby day win for the Black Cats. As a result, Regis Le Bris' side moved above Newcastle in the Premier League table and put themselves back into contention for a place in Europe next season.

Delivering his assessment on the game, Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports: "[It is] 10 years since they have played at St James' Park in the Premier League, and Newcastle just cannot beat Sunderland.

"What a moment for them, probably never dreamed in these last four or five years that they could beat Newcastle. Got up surprising through the play-offs last season, and to do the double over their biggest rivals, one of the best moments their young fans will remember."