Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Sun 22 March 2026 14:21, UK

Newcastle United’s clash with Sunderland on Sunday was marred by an incident involving Lutsharel Geertruida in the second half, with former referee Keith Hackett calling for a lifetime ban.

Play was halted by referee Anthony Taylor, initially for unknown reasons, with it later transpiring it was due to Sunderland defender Geertruida being racially abused.

The Premier League put out a statement via its Match Centre account on X that read: “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.

“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.”

Sunderland went on to win the game 2-1 from that point thanks to a late winner from Brian Brobbey, after Chemsdine Talbi had earlier cancelled out Anthony Gordon’s opener.

• Read more: How every Sunderland player rated in derby win vs Newcastle

Keith Hackett speaks out on racist abused aimed at Lutsharel Geertruida

As mentioned in that statement from the Premier League, the authorities will quickly get to work to find the alleged offender.

Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett – who refereed this fixture in the past – has called for a lifetime ban if said supporter is identified and found guilty.

“That is the only expectation you can have,” Hackett said. “I find it amazing that fans fail to reconcile.

“Play was rightly held up by referee Anthony Taylor at the time. He spoke to both managers, clearly making then aware of the matter.

“He also called for the security staff so that they were aware of the complaint, which no doubt kicked in a review of video clips of the area of the stadium from where the alleged abuse was shouted from.”

• Read more: Newcastle vs Sunderland skirmishes to be dealt with by police, some have different agenda

Sunderland inflict a first ever on Newcastle and Eddie Howe

Sunday’s victory at St James’ Park – the first league meeting there in a decade – is certainly one for the ages.

Violent scenes before the match, and this alleged racist incident during the match, has somewhat overshadowed matters.

In terms of events on the field, though, Sunderland’s players stood up and made it back-to-back derby wins this season.

In doing so, Eddie Howe is the first Newcastle manager ever to lose his first two league meetings with Sunderland.

In contrast, Regis Le Bris is just the second Sunderland boss to win his first two league games, after Gus Poyet in 2013-14.

For more fallout from the Tyne-Wear derby, head over to Football Insider.