Newcastle slumped to a sixth successive derby defeat, as referee Robert Madley gifted Sunderland all the ingredients for a 3-0 win.
After Newcastle bossed the first half and Madley refused to book any Sunderland players for their rash tackles, Sunderland were awarded a debatable penalty for Fabricio Coloccini’s heavy shoulder barge on Steven Fletcher – just minutes after Gini Wijnaldum was fouled up the other end of the field. Despite Rob Elliot clearly being able to get to the ball, Coloccini was deemed to have denied a goalscoring opportunity and was sent off too.
Adam Johnson tucked away the penalty and ran the length of the pitch to antagonise the Geordie faithful – obviously, this wasn’t a yellow card as he kept his shirt on.
In the second half, Newcastle continued to battle but Madley’s love for Lee Cattermole prevented the Sunderland man picking up a yellow card, which allowed him to inflict injury to Jack Colback.
Sunderland netted a second from a corner midway through the second half, after the Magpies’ defence were caught napping.
Late on, Newcastle brought on Florian Thauvin to leave themselves short, with just three at the back. Sunderland took advantage as the Magpies pressed for a life-line and bagged a third.
Steve McClaren was red-faced and stunned.
I would like to give a special shout-out to The FA, for deeming Robert Madley as experienced enough to referee such a big game.
For those that want to relive the dismal Wear-Tyne derby, here’s a selection of the best images:
