Danny Simpson saw no problem with Sunderland AFC's decision to mock Newcastle United with an iconic team photo in the aftermath of December's Wear-Tyne Derby. The Magpies suffered a 1-0 loss to the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light earlier this season, with Nick Woltemade's own-goal making the difference in a tightly contested match.

Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes labelled his team's performance as "embarrassing" in the aftermath, while claiming that they have a better side. However, it was a different gesture at full-time on Sunderland's part at which dominated the headlines.

Having refused to display Newcastle's name on the scoreboard for the duration of the encounter, simply referring to their bitter neighbours as 'visitors', Sunderland took the opportunity to exact their revenge by posing for a team photograph in front of the fans following the win.

The picture, which has now been immortalised by Topps Now in the form of a trading card, was a response on Sunderland's part to a similar photograph by United following a 3-0 FA Cup loss at the Stadium of Light in January 2024.

While the pettiness of the 'visitors' gesture and the photograph will have ultimately rattled Newcastle fans on Tyneside, a former full-back who represented both clubs - Simpson - took no issue. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football via 7bet online casino, he explained: "Yeah, listen, why not? I'm all here for that.

"The rivalry is right up there with one of the best rivalries in the country. I'm here for a bit of light-hearted banter as well. These families, the boyfriends and girlfriends are on the other side of the table and I'm sure they all do it in their own time as well.

"So yeah, why not? I think it just adds to it. If it was me, it'd wind me up a little bit more to what I get stuck in."

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Elsewhere, the 39-year-old who played for Sunderland on loan in 2007 and enjoyed a three-year permanent stint with Newcastle, added: "I just hope the ref understands the game and lets a few go. You know what I mean?

"Sometimes you've got to manage the occasion. You don't want to ruin that game by sending people off. I remember I had an incident with [Danny] Welbeck in a 50-50 and he’s my friend and I smashed him.

"And I knew I had to, do you know what I mean? Because the fans are there with you. So I just hope the ref understands that and lets a few go because it's what it means to everybody. It's a bit of passion and fight."

On what makes the derby so special for football fans worldwide, Simpson added: "Yeah, I've played in lots of big games, but like I said, I think the build-up, the week, when you go to the petrol station, the shop, the restaurant, it's all everyone speaks about.

Newcastle took a team photograph on the pitch at the Stadium of Light in January(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)

"It reminds you of building up for a cup final, if that's the best way I can describe it. You can't read the atmosphere. Obviously, I've played at both stadiums, but it was just incredible.

"It's such a good feeling to come out as a winner of games. I hope, obviously, Newcastle fans, as the players, get to experience that now, especially at St James. I think it's been so long."

He continued: "Obviously, with the league, you want to finish above Sunderland, like Newcastle fans do. It's a massive game, because there's only two points splitting the difference now between them. I think this will be extra special, and I'm glad I'm going to be there to be watching."

Newcastle United play host to Sunderland AFC at St James' Park on Sunday, March 22. Kick-off between the two teams is slated for 12pm.

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