Published: 15:41, 1 April 2026 | Updated: 15:43, 1 April 2026

A football fan has been arrested following an alleged racist incident during the Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park last month.

The game between Newcastle United and Sunderland was stopped after Black Cats player Lutsharel Geertruida reported a racist slur directed at him from someone in the crowd.

Referee Anthony Taylor stopped the contest for three minutes, in accordance with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. 

On Wednesday, Northumbria Police confirmed that a 45-year-old man from the Gateshead area was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and has been released on bail pending further investigation.

The pause in play continued for a lengthy period and referee Anthony Taylor called Newcastle captain Kieran Trippier over to the dugout to discuss matters with both managers and TV production staff. 

It was initially unclear what was being spoken about, before the Premier League confirmed that a shocking incident had occurred.

A football fan aged 45 has been arrested on suspicion of a racially...