Premier League launches investigation into incident of ‘alleged discriminatory abuse’ in the match between Newcastle and Sunderland

The Premier League said it is investigating an incident of “discriminatory abuse” during Sunderland’s 2-1 Premier League derby win against Newcastle United after one of Sunderland’s players was allegedly racially abused.

The incident is understood to have occurred early in the second half of the hectic match in the North East, when Newcastle’s Sven Botman was being treated for a head injury, forcing referee Anthony Taylor to briefly stop the match.

“Today’s match between Newcastle United and Sunderland was temporarily suspended during the second half following a report of discriminatory abuse by the crowd, directed at Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida,” a statement from the league said.

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«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.»

Newcastle United also offered its support to the 25-year-old Dutch defender.

«Our position is clear: we will not tolerate any form of discrimination. We will work with the authorities to conduct a full investigation and ensure that all individuals are identified and held to account,» a Newcastle spokesperson said.

The incident took on the gloss of an excellent second-half performance from Sunderland, who came back from a goal down to take the three points with a 90th-minute goal from striker Brian Brobbey qwdr.

«He (Geertruida) looks good. It is unacceptable and important to report and manage the situation properly. He looks good but we have to support him,» Sunderland coach Regis le Bris said.

Published on March 22, 2026