The Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle and Sunderland was paused during the second half following reports of discriminatory abuse from within the crowd directed at Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida. The Premier League has said it will investigate after referee Anthony Taylor stopped the match in line with the league’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol early in the second half. #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… — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) March 22, 2026A social media post from the Premier League Match Centre said: “The incident at St James’ Park will now be fully investigated. “In the main, everyone has co-operated and we are able to report that one arrest was made ahead of kick-off.

Source: Irish Examiner March 22, 2026 16:27 UTC