Newcastle United and Sunderland have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following a heated Tyne-Wear derby on 4 March. The charges stem from an incident in the 19th minute when Sunderland winger James McClean's challenge on Newcastle full-back Danny Simpson sparked a 21-man melee.
The FA stated: 'Newcastle United and Sunderland have both been charged with misconduct following the match... The charge is that the clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour.' Both clubs have until 4pm on 12 March to respond.
Referee Mike Dean restored order and cautioned McClean and Simpson but took no further action. The match saw eight yellow cards and red cards for Sunderland's Lee Cattermole and Stéphane Sessègnon. There were also confrontations between coaching staff, with Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman sent to the stands at half-time after clashing with Sunderland's fitness coach Jim Henry.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew apologised for celebrating in front of the Sunderland bench when his side were awarded an 82nd-minute penalty. The war of words continued in post-match press conferences, with Sunderland's Martin O'Neill suggesting a delegation from the home coaching staff visited the referee's room, while Pardew accused the visitors of an 'ugly' approach. O'Neill later rejected Pardew's claims.
