Alan Pardew condemns unsavoury chants during Wear-Tyne derby

Newcastle player Yohan Cabaye celebrates the first goal

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has joined forces with Sunderland counterpart Martin O'Neill in criticising tasteless chants during Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby.

Some Sunderland supporters repeatedly sang, 'Steven Taylor, we wish you were dead', while part of the Magpies contingent at the Stadium of Light referred to Jimmy Savile in connection with Black Cats captain Lee Cattermole.

Neither manager heard the chants at the time, but O'Neill spoke of his disappointment after being told about them, and Pardew has now added his condemnation.

He told the Shields Gazette: "They were not acceptable. We don't want that in the game - every type of abuse is not right.

"I hope they are brought to task, if it is found out who they are."

Taylor was targeted by home fans after pre-match comments which suggested no Black Cats player would get into the Newcastle team, and that he would rather collect stamps than support his club's arch-rivals.

PA