Eddie Howe plays down Sunderland 'disrespectful’ talk after Newcastle United criticism

Eddie Howe has dismissed suggestions Newcastle United mocked Sunderland following their Tyne-Wear derby win.

Jubilant supporters in the Stadium of Light away end celebrated as the Magpies recorded an emphatic victory over their bitter rivals. The 3-0 win was Newcastle’s first triumph over the Black Cats since August 2011 but their post-match festivities were slammed.

At full-time, Toon players seized the opportunity to toast the cup win with their travelling supporters. The customary post-match picture - which has been in practice since Howe’s first win as Newcastle boss against Burnley in December 2021 - took place in front of the 6,000-strong away end.

This led former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara to label the antics as “disrespectful” to Sunderland. Ex-Black Cats forward Marco Gabbiadini, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, also slammed the celebrations.

“Having your team photo for the third round of the FA Cup tie, that was really disappointing,” he said. “I just thought it showed a real lack of class. After a really good performance and a good result, go and do it in the dressing room like you normally do. It could have caused bother in the stands. I thought it was really poor.”

However, Toon boss Howe has played down the drama, reiterating how it was Tindall who encouraged the picture in the heat of the moment. The 46-year-old denied suggestions the photo was taken to antagonise Sunderland.

“I said after the game it was inspired by Jason (Tindall),” Howe said. “He’s just got Serena (club photographer) over and the picture has been taken on the pitch. It was spontaneous, not planned.

“From our perspective, a black and white perspective, it’s a nice memory and snapshot of a really good moment for us. Certainly, no disrespect intended to Sunderland.”