NEWCASTLE were forced to wear their third kit in the Tyne-Wear derby because of a little-known Premier League rule.
Eddie Howe‘s troops travelled to the Stadium of Light on Sunday for their first Premier League meeting with their bitter rivals in 3,556 days.
The Magpies donned their traditional black and white stripes for their FA Cup third-round clash with Regis Le Bris’ side last January.
But the players wore the club’s blue and orange third kit for this afternoon’s fixture.
Their wearing of the third kit was due to the Premier League’s M22 rule, which doesn’t apply in cup competitions.
It states: “When playing in league matches the players of each participating club shall wear a strip which differs visibly from and contrasts with one another to ensure that match officials, players, spectators and television viewers (including those with colour vision deficiency) will be able to distinguish clearly between the two teams.”
Viewers were far from happy with Newcastle being forced to wear their third kit.
“One wrote on X: “Newcastle in their away kit is serious woke nonsense.”
Another said: “Why have I tuned in to Newcastle in their away kit?”
And another said: “Why are Newcastle not wearing the home kit?”
One remarked: “Kinda feel sick that Newcastle aren’t wearing their home kit.
Another chimed in: “Newcastle in their away kit… games gone.”
Sunderland ran out 1-0 winners thanks to the unlikeliest of goal scorers.
Toon summer signing Nick Woltemade gave the home side the lead in the 46th minute with a sensational headed own goal, which went viral.
Footie fans couldn’t believe their eyes, with one saying on X: “What a finish from Woltemade in fairness.
“Just a shame he forgot what goal he was scoring into.”
Another said: “The way Woltemade scored that header made me think for a split second that Newcastle were attacking.
“That was a great header.”
And another said: “NGL, this was the nice goal from Woltemade.”
One remarked: “Nick Woltemade with a beautiful finish. Just a shame it was in his own net.”
Another chimed in: “Cross so good that Woltemade forgot it was his own net.”
Victory over the Magpies’ first league win over their bitter rivals since their 3-0 triumph in October 2015.
