Inside Newcastle and Sunderland's fierce rivalry with 21-man brawl and FA charge

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Newcastle welcome Sunderland for the first time in a decade this Sunday, in a match that has historically sparked chaos.

The north-east clash is one of the Premier League's iconic rivalries, known for its tendency to turn nasty - particularly during the tenure of Alan Pardew and Martin O'Neill in 2012. The spoils were shared on the day, courtesy of a Nicklas Bendtner penalty and a last-gasp equaliser from Shola Ameobi.

However, the result was eclipsed by a 21-man brawl after Newcastle's Danny Simpson took issue with James McClean's tackle in the first half.

Referee Mike Dean handed both players yellow cards. But that was merely the beginning of a fiery afternoon.

Dean issued eight yellow cards and sent off two Sunderland players, leading to both clubs facing FA charges. Even the touchline got involved, with Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman sent to the stands at half-time following a confrontation with opposition fitness coach Jim Henry.

Manager Pardew apologised post-match for his celebration of an 82nd-minute penalty award, which Demba Ba failed to convert. Stephane Sessegnon was shown a red card in the 58th minute for elbowing Cheick Tiote, and Lee Cattermole was sent off immediately after the final whistle.

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This sending off was due to foul and abusive language, encapsulating an afternoon filled with hostility between the two fierce rivals. Three days later, the FA issued a statement confirming that it would charge both teams with "misconduct."

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It read: " Newcastle United and Sunderland have both been charged with misconduct following the match between the two sides on Sunday 4 March.

"The charge is that the clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour and is in relation to an incident which occurred in the 19th minute following a challenge by Sunderland's James McClean on Newcastle's Danny Simpson. Both clubs have until 4pm on 12 March to respond to the charge."

A few weeks passed before the FA responded again, this time imposing a £40,000 fine on the Magpies and £20,000 for Sunderland. Newcastle were fined double as it was their second incident that took place during the 2011/12 season.

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An FA statement read: "Newcastle United and Sunderland have been fined £40,000 and £20,000 respectively after both clubs admitted a charge of failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour.

"The incident, which also saw both teams being warned as to their future conduct, occurred in the 19th minute of their game on 4 March 2012 and followed a challenge by Sunderland's James McClean on Newcastle's Danny Simpson.

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