The build-up to the Tyne-Wear derby was marred by ugly scenes as Newcastle and Sunderland fans clashed outside St James’ Park.
The bitter rivals were playing in a 12pm kick-off in the Premier League on Sunday, though there was drama outside the stadium before the game even got underway as a small cluster of Sunderland fans made their way to St James’ Park without a police escort.
The visiting fans were eventually attacked after antagonising a large gathering of Newcastle supporters, with punches thrown and objects hurled in violent clashes. Earlier on, the Sunderland team bus had also been a target for the home fans, with bottles and cans thrown as the visiting team arrived.
Videos posted on X show large groups of fans outside the stadium, with home supporters seen throwing objects at a group of Sunderland supporters. Police were seen scrambling to put an end to the incidents and reports suggest the violence was over quickly, with one arrest made.
Fighting outside of St James’ Park. One fan appeared in a bad way. CPR administered before being taken away. Not good 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PwZuo8248l
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) March 22, 2026
“We are aware of a number of videos circulating on social media in relation to Newcastle United and Sunderland supporters goading one another,” Northumbria Police said. “In the main, everyone has co-operated and we are able to report that one arrest was made ahead of kick-off.”
After the match, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said: “The fight was only on the pitch. We have to stay respectful. They have a good crowd, we have fantastic fans, the fight is only on the pitch.”
Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards was at St James’ Park, and reported “brief violent clashes” as “small pockets of Sunderland supporters decided to walk to the stadium without a police escort”.
Edwards said the group disappeared “under a mass of bodies as they unveiled a Sunderland flag which was subsequently stolen, with punches “clearly thrown and missiles hurled”.
“It was over very quickly and nobody seemed to be seriously hurt as police moved in to separate the two rival groups,” he added.
The two teams face off in just the second Tyne-Wear derby in the last decade, with only two points separating them ahead of kick-off.
Sunderland began the day in 13th, with Newcastle sitting in 11th as they look to hunt down Chelsea and Liverpool in their bid to return to the Champions League next season.
Northumbria Police had revealed details of the policing operation prior to this weekend's match, including advice for Sunderland fans coming to the game.
Their statement read: “We can confirm for the safety of all that a police-supported escort to St James’ Park for Sunderland supporters will depart Newcastle Central Station at 10.15am.
“This will mirror the escort seen at the reverse fixture in Sunderland in December last year, and is expected to be utilised by the vast majority of away fans.
“Those who arrive later face having to wait at the station until officers are able to facilitate a second escort, which given the time needed for the journey and the required safety and ticketing checks unfortunately poses a risk of them not being in their seats in time for the 12pm kick-off.
“Sunderland fans are therefore urged to do their utmost to arrive into Central Station ahead of the 10.15am start time. Once inside the station, Sunderland supporters will be directed by officers and partners to the start location where they can gather ahead of departure.”
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