Premier League game is HALTED over racist abuse for the first time as black Sunderland star Lutsharel Geertruida reports Newcastle crowd to referee

A Premier League match was disrupted for the first time due to anti-racism protocol on Sunday after Sunderland player Lutsharel Geertruida reported discriminatory abuse from the crowd during the away derby match at Newcastle.

The clash was paused early in the second half after Sven Botman was caught with a high boot and fell to the ground.

However, the pause in play continued for a long time and referee Anthony Taylor called Newcastle captain Kieran Trippier to the dugout to discuss matters with both managers and TV production staff.

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

They said in a statement: ‘Today’s match between Newcastle United and Sunderland was temporarily suspended in the second half following allegations of discriminatory abuse by fans towards Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida.

‘This complies with the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident at St James’ Park will now be fully investigated.

Anthony Taylor walked over to both benches to explain what was happening.

‘We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society.

‘We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.’

After returning to the pitch, Taylor spoke to Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka before restarting play.

Xhaka had warned Taylor about what was happening during the first stop, after running to Taylor’s side upon Geertruida’s notice.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris, whose team won 2-1, said: ‘I spoke to Lutsharel after the game and he looked good but we need to support him.’

A Newcastle spokesman added: ‘We are aware of a report of racism by a visiting player towards a member of the stand.

‘Our position is clear; We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. ‘We will work with authorities to conduct a full investigation and ensure all individuals are identified and held accountable.’

The victory extended Sunderland’s unbeaten run against their arch-rivals in the Premier League to 11 matches; This was the first meeting between the two sides at St James’ Park since 2016.

However, the match was marred by chaotic scenes before kick-off as fans from both teams clashed outside the stadium.

In one video, Sunderland fans can be seen holding their heads after being hit by thrown bottles as they made their way to the ground amid the clashes.

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka (pictured with Sunderland teammate Brian Brobbey) speaks to referee Anthony Taylor following the incident

One fan was taken to hospital after performing CPR, but police said it was a medical emergency and not related to the issue. There was an arrest.

Sunderland’s team coach was also damaged by bottles raining down on him as he tried to leave the area, and each bottle hitting the vehicle was greeted with cheers.

The chaos ensued after a section of Sunderland fans decided to march to the stadium without a police escort.

The majority of Sunderland fans traveled from Newcastle railway station to the stadium with Northumbria Police, who did a largely good job of keeping both groups of fans separate.

Newcastle fans had gathered outside the Sandman Hotel just outside the ground, creating a raucous atmosphere with plenty of chanting as well as the lighting of torches.

The first group of Sunderland fans managed to pass without any problems, although cans, bottles and drinks were thrown at them as they passed.

But he had no such chance after a second group of fans unfurled the Sunderland flag as they passed by, throwing punches and throwing missiles.

The flag was torn down by home fans and police in riot gear moved quickly to separate rival groups clashing with authorities.

A visiting fan had a bloody wound on his head.

Videos of the incident showed chaotic scenes with sirens blaring in the background as police raced around.

Rival fans had previously clashed outside St James’ Park during preparations to start on Sunday.

Adding to the drama, the road appeared to still be open to the public as some cars slowly passed by.

During the match home fans also reported problems in the management box with Sunderland’s ownership team, who were said to have exchanged ideas with Newcastle fans who celebrated Sunderland’s goals and took offense at their actions.

Northumbria Police later said: ‘We are aware of a number of videos circulating on social media of Newcastle United and Sunderland fans inciting each other.

‘In fact everyone cooperated and we can report that one person was arrested before kick-off.

‘We will continue to increase police presence in the city centre.’

This wasn’t the first time the fixture had trouble off the field.

In 2013, a police horse named Bud was punched by a Newcastle supporter after the Magpies were beaten.

Meanwhile, in the mid-90s, away fans were banned from both matches on the advice of the police.