That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Sunderland and Newcastle can expect fines from the FA after scenes at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris’ side took the lead through a Nick Woltemade own goal, which proved to be the Black Cats’ winner on 14 December, lifting them to seventh in the Premier League table.

However, there were some ugly scenes during the game, especially towards the end as the clock ticked over 90 minutes, with several players cautioned by referee Peter Bankes.

Peter Bankes fails to take action at the Stadium of Light

Dan Burn had already been injured by Nordi Mukiele, but when Joe Willock swiped Robin Roefs‘ legs from under him, melees were sparked all across the pitch.

Four players went into the referee’s notebook, including superstar Bruno Guimaraes, with a handful of other players picking up cautions throughout the 90 minutes.

There had been very few incidents of flare-ups during the game, but with signs of things heating up, and the Magpies frustrated by the scoreline, Hackett believes Bankes should have done much more to control the situation.

Hackett has criticised Bankes earlier in the season, and had Howard Webb‘s officials taken proper action, he may not have had to issue so many cautions in the closing stages.

Sunderland and Newcastle United are guaranteed to face fines

Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “There was a foul on the goalkeeper, with a coming-together in the penalty area, and Peter Bankes was trying to sort that out.

“All of a sudden, his attention is drawn further up the field, where there’s a mass confrontation. The assistant referee is on the pitch, and they’re trying to sort it. What he does is caution three players, then he thinks about the challenge on the goalkeeper, so he issues another. 

“It’s easy money for the FA. No doubt that both clubs will be charged and also fined quite a bit. Even though it’s a local derby, it’s the images being beamed around the world that the FA want to protect.

“Peter Bankes likes to keep the game flowing; he’s not one who cards liberally. But sometimes, when the game is heating up, you need to put your foot on the ball, slow things down, and reassert your authority.

“I felt that it got a little bit away from him when the heat reached boiling point, which is where this overreaction came from.”