Newcastle defender Dan Burn struggles to breathe and heads to hospital following brutal first-half clash in Sunderland derby at the Stadium of Light

Tyne-Wear derbies are never short on drama, but Sunday’s meeting between Newcastle and Sunderland delivered more than fans bargained for.

Beyond the frustration of the final scoreline, concern quickly shifted to Dan Burn after the defender was forced into a hospital visit following a worrying injury.

Early Promise for Newcastle’s Back Line

Burn was named in the starting XI alongside Malick Thiaw at the heart of Newcastle’s defence and looked composed in the opening stages.

He read the game well, dealt with pressure confidently, and offered the physical presence Newcastle needed in such a heated rivalry.

A Heavy Collision Changes the Mood

The turning point for Burn came midway through the first half during a loose-ball scramble.

Both Burn and Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele committed fully, but the challenge ended painfully for the Newcastle defender.

Mukiele’s momentum carried him into Burn, with his knee crashing into Burn’s chest.

The referee punished the challenge with a booking, but the damage had already been done.

Burn stayed down for several minutes, clearly in distress, as Newcastle’s medical staff worked to assess him.

Playing On Through the Pain

After lengthy treatment, Burn bravely returned to the pitch, but it didn’t take long to see he was struggling.

His movement was laboured, and discomfort was written all over his face.

Soon after, Burn signalled to the bench that he couldn’t continue.

Fabian Schär was sent on as his replacement, and Burn walked off clutching the right side of his chest, raising immediate concern among teammates and supporters.

A Goal That Deepened Newcastle’s Frustration

Matters went from bad to worse for Newcastle shortly after the break.

Sunderland grabbed the decisive moment when Nick Woltemade’s header ended up past his own goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, leaving Newcastle chasing the game.

Despite their efforts, Eddie Howe’s side failed to find the spark needed to turn things around, making it a deeply disappointing afternoon on Wearside.

Hospital Trip Raises Alarm Bells

The worry around Burn intensified after the final whistle.

Sky Sports later reported that the defender had been taken to hospital due to the rib injury sustained in the collision.

It was also revealed that Burn told Newcastle staff he was having difficulty breathing when he came off.

Howe later confirmed the situation, offering cautious optimism while acknowledging the seriousness of the incident.

Eddie Howe Reflects on a Difficult Day

Speaking after the match, Howe admitted the performance fell short of expectations.

While effort wasn’t lacking, quality was, and the game ultimately hinged on a bizarre goal rather than clear-cut chances.

He also spoke candidly about the emotional weight of the derby, admitting the disappointment was magnified by how much the fixture meant to everyone involved.

What the Result Means Going Forward

Sunderland’s victory lifts them to seventh place in the table, putting them four points and five places ahead of Newcastle.

For the Magpies, attention now turns to Burn’s recovery and how quickly they can regroup after a derby day that left both physical and emotional bruises.

What’s Next?

Newcastle will be hoping for positive medical news on Burn while looking ahead to their next league challenge, determined to respond after a derby defeat that left them searching for answers.