- A 45-year-old man has been arrested following a report of racist abuse during last month’s Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle and Sunderland. Northumbria Police said the man, from Gateshead, was detained in relation to an alleged incident at the Premier League clash.
- The man, from Gateshead, was detained on Tuesday on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence.
- He has since been released on bail pending further police enquiries. Detective Inspector Phil Guard said: “Racial abuse has absolutely no place in football or in our communities and we will not tolerate this type of behaviour.”
- The incident occurred during the Premier League match at St James’s Park on 22 March, leading to the game being briefly paused.
- Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida was praised for displaying bravery and leadership by reporting the incident to match officials.
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