Mike Williamson: 'Players care about Sunderland defeat'

Mike Williamson has insisted that the Newcastle United players are hurting after losing to Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne derby.

The Magpies were beaten 1-0 by their fierce rivals at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, which led some fans to question the team's commitment.

Williamson told The Chronicle: "It's [an] opinion but I can tell you that there is not one player in there that doesn't care.

"It hurts everybody. Not one player goes out there and is not bothered about the result or their performance. For me it hurts me very deeply.

"People are entitled to their opinion but it's not the case."

Newcastle are nine points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with seven games remaining.