Racism at a Tyne–Wear derby spurred a police probe; Northumbria Police, policing Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, led the response.
During a March 22 game at St. James’ Park, Sunderland and Newcastle players reported racial abuse from the crowd. The incident led to a three-minute stoppage, and a man from Gateshead was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. The game was resumed and Sunderland won 2-1.