Sunderland fans confront Newcastle players on bench - armed with bleeding pound signs - during fiery FA Cup derby clash after Alan Shearer's statue targeted

Sunderland's fans prepared for the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 by readying printouts of bleeding pound signs, clearly in reference to their bitter rivals' takeover by the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund. One fan even waved the sign in the face of Magpies defender Jamaal Lascelles before kick-off at the Stadium of Light.

The coordinated mockery took place days after Sunderland fans vandalised the statue of Magpies legend Shearer outside St James' Park, having dressed it in a retro Black Cats shirt. The two sides, of course, have gone eight years without a meeting due to Sunderland's struggles in the lower-leagues.

Sunderland are currently pushing for a return to the Premier League. The Wearside club are sixth in the second tier, and will hope to seal a place in the play-offs.

After the FA Cup tie, Sunderland will return to action in the Championship against Ipswich Town next weekend. Newcastle face Manchester City in the Premier League, by comparison.