Anthony Gordon issues cold response to Sunderland player pulling his shirt

Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon had a cold response to having his shirt tugged by a Sunderland United player in the Tyne Wear derby.

The FA Cup third round draw saw the meeting of two fierce north-east rivals as Sunderland and Newcastle renewed hostilities for the first time in eight years.

While the Black Cats went into the game on a three-game unbeaten run under the management of Michael Beal, Newcastle were firm favourites.

And as expected Eddie Howe's side comprehensively beat Sunderland 3-0, courtesy of an Alexander Isak brace and a Daniel Ballard own goal.

Despite Newcastle's general dominance the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light was hostile and tempers flared on the pitch on occasion.

At 2-0 Gordon and Sunderland's Denver Hume were involved in a confrontation off the ball.

Indeed, speaking to Hume after having his shirt tugged, Gordon cooly said, as picked up by the commentary: "If you want my shirt I'll give it to you afterwards."

Newcastle's victory represented the first time they had beaten their local rivals Sunderland since 2011 while it eased the pressure on Howe after a dismal run of form.

"If you want my shirt you can have it after the game." 🤣#SUNNEW | #EmiratesFACUp pic.twitter.com/lzCZI52HHp

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 6, 2024

Fans had remained overwhelmingly supportive during the recent run, which has included Champions League and the Carabao Cup exits, but a derby defeat to their second-tier rivals may have seen some of that sentiment turn sour.

Sunderland held firm for 35 minutes before Ballard put Joelinton’s cross into his own net.

The Premier League outfit then doubled their advantage 32 seconds after half-time through Isak. The Swede then scored his second late on from the penalty spot after Ballard fouled Gordon.

The draw for the fourth round takes place on Monday.