Police arrest 45-year-old in probe into racist abuse at Tyne-Wear derby
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April 1 - A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in a racially aggravated offence during last month's Tyne-Wear derby, Northumbria Police said on Wednesday, after Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida faced racial abuse during the Premier League clash at Newcastle United.
The match on March 22, which Sunderland won 2-1, was stopped for three minutes during the second half after an incident of discriminatory abuse from the crowd was reported.
Both clubs condemned the incident, as Sunderland said they stood by Geertruida.
The man from Gateshead was arrested on Tuesday and later released on police bail pending further enquiries while the investigation continues, Northumbria police said in a statement.
"Racial abuse has absolutely no place in football or in our communities, and we will not tolerate this type of behaviour," detective inspector Phil Guard said. REUTERS
