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 at St James’s Park, in Newcastle, on March 22.
A force spokesman stated the man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and has since been released on bail pending further 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.
“Following proactive policing enquiries and close partnership working with both clubs and their supporters, a suspect has been arrested.
“They have since been bailed with robust conditions while the investigation continues.”
Mr Guard said: “We will continue to work with clubs, supporters and partner agencies to tackle any form of criminality at football matches.”
Referee Anthony Taylor briefly paused the game and spoke to both managers and club officials during the early stages of the second half after an incident was reported to him.
Newcastle later said in a statement that they were aware of a report of racism made by a visiting player against someone in the crowd.
Sunderland subsequently praised their defender, Lutsharel Geertruida, for “displaying bravery and leadership by reporting this incident to the match officials”.
Taylor was approached by Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka in the 52nd minute, when the game was already stopped due to an injury to Newcastle’s Sven Botman.
Sunderland won the game 2-1 to complete a domestic double over their rivals this season, after beating the Magpies 1-0 at the Stadium of Light in December.
Anthony Gordon had put Newcastle ahead early on, but Sunderland battled back to equalise through Chemsdine Talbi in the 57th minute.
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey then secured all three points for his team with a 90th-minute winner.
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