Ex-Sunderland forward could face retrospective action, takeover prediction plus Newcastle United fans taunt Cats legend

McNulty, now at Hibernian, wasn’t penalised by referee Kevin Clancy following the first-half incident at Easter Road, where Hearts went on to win 3-1.

BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton said at the time: “How McNulty never saw red for a stamp when in full view of the ref is beyond me… another refereeing shocker in Scotland.”

Hibs boss Jack Ross was also asked about McNulty after the match, to which he replied: "I understand it was on the far side of the pitch, I was not aware of it at the time and I don’t have an opinion as I have not watched it yet.”

Kieron Brady makes takeover prediction

Former Sunderland midfielder Kieron Brady believes a takeover of the club may not happen until the summer – following reports that Stewart Donald has received ‘huge’ interest from a number of parties.

Speaking to BBC Newcastle’s Total Sport, Brady said: “It wouldn't surprise me if nothing happened before the summer.

“If you're interested in becoming the owner of a club like Sunderland, you do want to know where they'll be playing next season.”

Kevin Phillips taunted by Newcastle fans

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips laughed off chants from the away end during last night’s FA Cup tie between Newcastle and West Brom at the Hawthorns.

The former Black Cats striker was working as a pundit for the BBC near the Smethwick End where Magpies supporters were situated.

When mocked by away fans for his Sunderland connections, Phillips simply smiled and got on with his job.

Newcastle won the game 3-2 but were made to sweat after taking a commanding 3-0 lead.

"The dynamic of Newcastle changed,” said Phillips after the game. “The threat changed and West Brom were by far the better team in the second half.

"So you have to say they were very unlucky. Another five minutes of this game, I guarantee it would have been 3-3."