NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE — Northumbria Police arrested a 45-year-old man from the Gateshead area on Tuesday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, the force said. The arrest was connected to accusations of racist abuse directed at a footballer during the Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on March 22.

The Premier League match between the two northeast rivals was paused during the second half after a report of racist abuse directed toward visiting Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida from someone in the crowd at the Newcastle ground. The incident took place in the 52nd minute of the game, at a point when play had already been stopped while Newcastle player Sven Botman was receiving treatment on the pitch.

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka ran over to speak to referee Anthony Taylor during the stoppage to alert the official to the alleged abuse directed at his teammate Geertruida. Taylor subsequently halted the match for three minutes under the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. Before allowing play to resume, Taylor spoke to both sets of coaching staff, as well as to Geertruida and Xhaka.

In the aftermath of the March 22 incident, both Newcastle and Sunderland condemned racism. Sunderland issued a statement expressing support for the targeted player. "We stand with Lutsharel, who has our complete backing, and we commend him for displaying bravery and leadership by reporting this incident to the match officials," the club said at the time.

The arrest on Tuesday came weeks after the derby as the Northumbria Police investigation into the alleged racist abuse at St James' Park continued. The 45-year-old man from the Gateshead area was taken into custody on suspicion of the racially aggravated public order offence in connection with the incident reported during the match. Sunderland won the game 2-1, completing the double over Newcastle this season.