Mido abuse ‘crossed the line’
The 24-year-old Boro striker was a target for sections of the travelling support in the 2-2 draw and was booked for the manner of his celebration when he scored in the 28th minute – his second goal in as many games since signing from Tottenham.
The FA have promised to speak to both teams as they investigate the treatment of Mido, whose abuse was said to include some Islamophobic chanting.
Southgate believes all professional footballers expect a certain degree of interaction with supporters but believes the Egyptian was put through an unacceptable ordeal.
He said: “I don’t know if it will ever be resolved. All players accept that when they go on the field they will be ridiculed and people will try to goad them. But there is a line and that line was crossed at the weekend.”
Southgate conceded his striker had reacted to the crowd but insisted the club were fully supportive of him. He added: “He (Mido) is a human being and he reacted. But I am very much in his corner and we want to draw a line under it.”
An FA spokesman earlier confirmed the governing body would be looking into Sunday’s events.
“We will be contacting both clubs for their observations on these events and we will take it from there,” said the spokesman.
Boro will be taking no further action over the chants, which they hope will not be repeated by supporters of other teams.
Mido’s booking was one of eight in a fiercely-contested match, fraught with local rivalry. Former Boro striker Mark Viduka signed for the Magpies on a free transfer in the summer scored his first goal in a Newcastle shirt – against his former employers.
Meanwhile, Julio Arca – who used to play for Wearside club Sunderland – scored to seal a draw for the hosts.
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