Thursday, October 8, 2026

English Premier League probes alleged racial abuse during Newcastle-Sunderland derby

Newcastle United also backed the 25-year-old Dutch defender following the allegation.

• March 22, 2026
English Premier League
English Premier League

The English Premier League is investigating alleged discriminatory abuse during Sunderland’s 2-1 derby win away to Newcastle United.

The probe follows a report of racial abuse directed at a Sunderland player during the second half.

The incident occurred after Newcastle’s Sven Botman received treatment for a head injury, prompting referee Anthony Taylor to halt play briefly.

A Premier League statement read, “Today’s match was temporarily paused in the second half. This followed 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 be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs.”

Newcastle United also backed the 25-year-old Dutch defender following the allegation.

A club spokesperson said, “Our stance is clear — we do not tolerate discrimination of any form. We will work with authorities to investigate and ensure any individuals are identified and held accountable.”

The incident overshadowed Sunderland’s strong second-half comeback to secure victory.

Brian Brobbey struck a 90th-minute winner after Sunderland recovered from an early deficit.

“He looks okay. It is unacceptable, and important to report and manage it properly. He looks okay, but we need to support him,” Sunderland coach, Regis Le Bris, said. 

(Reuters/NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

PETER MBAH

Heading 2

Enugu secures $200 million solar investment to boost electricity supply

Mr Mbah pledged the state government’s support in removing institutional bottlenecks that could delay the project.

Heading 5

FAAN announces temporary closure of Owerri airport runway for repairs

According to Mr Agbebire, the closure was tentatively scheduled to last about 25 days.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Health

Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 1,115 cases, 263 deaths in 24 states

The agency urged healthcare workers and the public to maintain appropriate preventive measures.

police

Heading 2

Police nab 47 suspects for thuggery, drug peddling in Kano

Mr Haruna-Kiyawa stated that large quantities of illicit substances and dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects.

Rotimi Amaechi

Heading 5

Number of votes Tinubu gets in 2027 will show number of mad people in Nigeria: Rotimi Amaechi

Mr Amaechi had recently blamed the economic hardship under Mr Tinubu for the deaths of many Nigerians, including his mother.