Jacob Murphy could not help taking a cheeky swipe at Newcastle United’s rivals Sunderland during the Great North Run.
The streets of Newcastle have been closed off as the world-famous Great North Run got underway.
Enthusiastic runners travel to Tyneside to take on the tricky 13.1-mile charity race, which generates millions for great causes.
This year, Newcastle United stars Nick Pope and Jacob Murphy had the immense honour of being the official starters of the Great North Run, firing the gun to get the race underway for the 10s of thousands in attendance.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was the starter for the 2023 race; the first manager to do so since Sir Bobby Robson in 2007.
The Toon pair were interviewed ahead of the start, where Murphy could not help but take a cheeky dig at the Sunderland fans involved in the run.
Jacob Murphy celebrates after a goal in a friendly between Newcastle United and Espanyol.
Photo by Newcastle United/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Jacob Murphy boos Sunderland fans taking part in the Great North Run
Murphy is known for being a hilarious figure at Newcastle. The dressing room DJ and someone who loves to have a laugh with his teammates.
It was evident that Murphy was still in his jokey mood while doing an interview with the BBC ahead of the run, where he could not help but take a quick swipe at the Magpies’ bitter rivals.
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“I’m looking forward to seeing all the people,” he said.
“Seen a lot of Newcastle fans so far. Even seen some from across the river, boo!”
Murphy is known for his pace and endurance; perhaps he will be a participant in the Great North Run one day. One person who may not take part in the run is defender Fabian Schar. In a recent interview, Murphy said Schar is a ‘terrible’ runner, so perhaps not suited to the Great North Run.
Following their dramatic promotion in May, Sunderland are back in the Premier League alongside Newcastle.
The Tyne-Wear derby will be played on two occasions this season, with the Magpies hoping they can get their first Premier League win against the Black Cats since 2011. Howe’s side can take confidence from their latest meeting in the FA Cup in 2024, where Newcastle won 3-0.
Murphy is clearly excited for the return of the derby, but his comments will need to be backed up when Sunderland welcome Newcastle in December.
Newcastle have had some memorable Tyne-Wear derby wins, including the famous 5-1 triumph over Steve Bruce’s Black Cats, which saw cult hero Andy Carroll score a hat-trick.
For now, Murphy can enjoy being the starter for the Great North Run, wishing all the fans well on their journey.