Sunderland complete historic double over Newcastle after dramatic 2-1 comeback at St James’ Park

St James’ Park, Newcastle – Sunderland struck late through Brian Brobbey to seal a pulsating 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, completing a league double over their North-East neighbours for the first time since 2010 and climbing above the hosts into 11th place in the Premier League table.

The afternoon, however, will be remembered for more than the result. Play was halted early in the second half after referee Anthony Taylor was alerted to an alleged racist comment aimed at Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida. Taylor immediately consulted the player, then spoke with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, captains Kieran Trippier and Granit Xhaka, and stadium security before the Premier League’s anti-discrimination protocol was enacted.

“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,” the league confirmed via its Match Center X feed. “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.”

CCTV footage and eyewitness testimony will be reviewed as authorities attempt to identify the perpetrator.

When football resumed, Newcastle still held the 1-0 lead given to them by Anthony Gordon’s 10th-minute strike. Sunderland, showing the resilience that has characterised their season, levelled on 67 minutes. Chemsdine Talbi pounced after Newcastle failed to clear a Xhaka corner, firing home from close range after Dan Burn had scooped Brian Brobbey’s chested effort off the line.

The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute. Brobbey, a constant threat on the break, raced onto a loose ball and finished coolly to spark wild celebrations among the travelling faithful. The goal confirmed back-to-back league wins over Newcastle and extended the Magpies’ winless home run in this fixture to 14 years.

The defeat compounds a bruising week for Eddie Howe’s side, who followed a promising 1-1 Champions League draw at home to Barcelona with a chastening 7-2 collapse at the Camp Nou. Sunderland, by contrast, head into the international break with momentum and local bragging rights firmly in hand.