‘I smashed my mate in the Tyne-Wear Derby - I knew I had to put friendship aside'The Tyne and Wear Derby returns this weekend as Newcastle United play host to Sunderland AFC at St James' Park - a match which historically has seen its fair share of dramaView 2 Images Danny Simpson has opened up on the Tyne-Wear Derby (Image: Getty Images)Danny Simpson admitted that he once wiped out Danny Welbeck in a 50/50 during a Tyne-Wear Derby, after putting their close friendship aside. The Manchester United academy product enjoyed a loan spell with Sunderland in 2007 before crossing the divide, joining Newcastle United on a permanent move three years later. I remember I had an incident with Welbeck in a 50-50 and he’s my friend and I smashed him. I've always said about Newcastle - Sunderland games, it’s who turns up on the day. ‌View 2 Images Danny Simpson played in a number of Tyne-Wear Derbies (Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)"So yeah, it's a massive game obviously for everyone involved.

Source: Daily Mirror March 22, 2026 07:59 UTC