Disturbing footage has surfaced showing a violent brawl erupting in a crowded pub following Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby. The fierce rivals Sunderland and Newcastle clashed in the Premier League for the first time in almost a decade.
A Nick Woltemade own goal handed Sunderland victory at the Stadium of Light, sparking jubilation amongst the home supporters. However, troubling scenes unfolded at a venue where the match was being shown.
Fighting kicked off moments after the final whistle, with viral social media footage capturing roughly 15 individuals involved in the melee. Women and children could be heard screaming as the situation deteriorated.
One man tumbles over a table onto the ground after a chair is launched through the air. A woman in a Newcastle top then frantically crawls away on her knees as a surge of bodies moves in her direction.
The same individual grabs a table in response, launching it at two other men dressed in tracksuits. Fists then fly as chairs are hurled around the venue, reports the Mirror.
The disorder eventually subsided. Some patrons exited whilst others moved to the opposite side for protection, with distressed children's cries continuing.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Just after 4pm yesterday (Sunday), we were called to a premises on Stone Cellar Road in Washington in response to a report of a disturbance. It was reported a number of people were fighting inside.
"Upon officer arrival, many of those believed to have been involved had left the area. Enquiries into the report are ongoing to identify anyone involved in the altercation.
"Anyone with information is asked to get in touch by sending us a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or 'report' form function on our website. Those who can't contact us online, should call 101. Please quote reference number: 144619S/25."
The scene couldn't have been more different at Sunderland's stadium, where the home side celebrated stretching their unbeaten streak in league derbies against Newcastle to 10 matches. The fixture was, predictably, an intense battle, featuring limited scoring opportunities but numerous crunching tackles.
"Proud and happy," Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris told Sky Sports. "It was a derby and we were expected [to win] by our fans. This win is well deserved, we were mature and the lads were incredible.
"During the first half tactically it was really good, just small details about the shape, then it was a question of being more clinical in the final third. We had good control and some times were more patient. It was a good level of maturity, so happy for the lads and it is good for our fans. It's good for the region, the club, the fans".
"We knew before it was a special game but we have to reset quickly as we have another tough challenge in Brighton in one week so let's go again."
Meanwhile, Newcastle's manager Eddie Howe expressed regret for his team's performance, stating: "It's a horrible feeling, it's very painful. It was not our finest game.
"It's so disappointing, we know our performance was not what it needed to be. But, no, I don't think it will define our season. Nothing is lost today.
"It was a game of very few chances settled by a freak goal and we couldn't create the openings we wanted. The effort was there but the quality wasn't.
"We were disappointed with our creative output. We haven't delivered. It's difficult to take."
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