The answer to why they say this lies in the first line of the article.......
"And most of those who think it’s a derby are from Teesside, who don’t like being seen as insignificant......"
They like to try and make us feel insignificant, does it work, no. Do we buy it, no. But let them crack...
Is it not the case that a lot of Darlo people adopted Newcastle as their team due to their hatred of Hartlepool whose fans all had a soft spot for the Mackems?
I actually think I'm one of the few that thinks JP is alright at football commentary - certainly not terrible. (I've never watched the Robot show). I know he gets a bit enthusiastic at times but thats fair enough. I just think it is the done thing to not like him.
The Ref was right to award the goal, particularly in light of some apparently outrages time wasting by the keeper prior to this. (I know that doesn't mean he can't be fouled).
What surprises me is that the ref was brave enough to give a goal.