Wounded Eddie Howe left on the brink but racism and violence mar Sunderland derby joy

The jeers rang down towards Eddie Howe from the Gallowgate End, where public hangings used to take place. A wounded manager, perhaps fatally damaged by a week of humiliation and a season collapsing , held a fixed grimace and kept applauding politely. Another manager finished off by Sunderland’ s unlikely, spirited knack of stealing wins against Newcastle in this bitterly-fought fixture that defines moods and reputations?

The coming days, or weeks, will determine if Howe is given the chance to rebuild, or the club’s Saudi ownership decides to pursue a ruthless fresh start. Eddie Howe could only applaud politely as the jeers rained down on him (AFP via Getty Images) But he is certainly up against it, with a team whose legs have gone after passing 50 games this season, and a defence leaking too easily. That’s 22 points surrendered from winning positions, the worst in the league – a sign of naivety, an absence of resilience and a lack of grit.

“Pathetic, weak and lazy” was Alan Shearer’s hot take. Few disagreed. But Howe said immediately after the clash he wanted to stay and rebuild.

“You never want to go through that (booing),” said the Magpies boss. “As the leader, I front up and absorb it and act like I normally would. I understand and accept the criticism.