Sunderland's 'hell of a lot' reaction to Newcastle team photo on the Stadium of Light pitch
Newcastle United recorded their first Wear-Tyne derby win since 2011 against Sunderland and Black Cats boss Michael Beale has given his take on the Magpies' on-pitch team photograph following the visitors' 3-0 win
Michael Beale has suggested that Newcastle United's win against his Sunderland side 'meant a hell of a lot to them' after the Magpies took their team photograph on the Stadium of Light pitch.
Newcastle won their first Wear-Tyne derby since 2011 following a 3-0 win against their arch-rivals on Saturday. Newcastle took the lead in the FA Cup third-round tie after Sunderland defender Dan Ballard put through his own net in the first half before a double from Alexander Isak sealed the win after the break.
Following the victory, assistant Jason Tindall beckoned members of Newcastle's medical, sports science and analysis teams onto the field to join the players and coaching staff in applauding the 6,000 Geordies in the away end. Tindall then called the club's official photographer over to take the traditional team picture after a win in full view of those Sunderland fans who had not yet left the stadium.
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Isak admitted 'we usually do it in the locker room - but there was no better way to do it' and Beale did not appear to take issue. Not publicly, at least.
"It shows that the game meant a hell of a lot to them," the Sunderland boss told reporters. "It showed that they came into it and needed a result.
"When you lose a game, you cannot complain about how the other team celebrates because that would be a headline-grabber and that wouldn't be the right thing today."
Opposite number Eddie Howe, for his part, said he had 'no idea' how the idea came about and instead 'just joined in'.