Nick Woltemade drops Sunderland F-bomb that Newcastle United supporters will love
Nick Woltemade has opened up about one of the lowest moments of his Newcastle United career and the overwhelming backing he received from supporters in its aftermath.
The striker endured a nightmare in December when Newcastle fell to a 1–0 defeat against fierce rivals Sunderland in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby for nearly ten years. A cruel twist of fate saw Woltemade turn the ball into his own net, a freak incident that ultimately decided the contest and handed Sunderland local bragging rights.
The result stung deeply on Tyneside. Newcastle were below their usual standards on the day, and the derby defeat amplified frustrations. For Woltemade, the own goal felt especially painful given the magnitude of the occasion. It was not just any fixture it was the derby. And until that moment, he had been enjoying a promising start to life at St James’ Park.
The German forward had hit the ground running earlier in the campaign, registering seven goals in all competitions and quickly building momentum. He even responded immediately after the Sunderland setback, producing a brace in an entertaining 2–2 draw against Chelsea. However, consistency proved elusive in the weeks that followed. A prolonged goal drought set in, stretching across 14 matches and fuelling debate among supporters and pundits about how best to utilise the club’s £69 million signing.
Manager Eddie Howe has experimented with his attacking options in search of balance. Woltemade has shared minutes with Yoane Wissa, while Anthony Gordon has also been deployed centrally in certain Premier League fixtures. The tactical adjustments sparked discussion across Tyneside about whether Woltemade is most effective as a traditional No.9 or in a slightly withdrawn role where he can influence play between the lines.
In recent days, speculation surfaced suggesting the club could consider moving the 23-year-old on in the summer transfer window. However, that narrative has been firmly downplayed, with indications that Howe still views Woltemade as a key part of the long-term project at St James’ Park a player whose best years remain ahead of him.
Reflecting on the derby own goal in an interview with British GQ, Woltemade did not shy away from describing the emotional toll it took. He admitted the feeling was crushing, particularly because it came in such a high-stakes match. Sitting on the bench after being substituted, he feared the worst reaction from the fanbase.
Instead, what followed surprised him.
Upon returning to the dressing room and checking his phone, he was met not with criticism but with messages of encouragement. The show of solidarity meant more than he expected. He acknowledged that supporters fully understood the significance of the derby but chose to back him regardless. For Woltemade, that reaction reinforced his belief that he had joined the right club.
He also highlighted the atmosphere inside St James’ Park, noting how fans continued to sing his song despite the setback. In his view, such unwavering support is far from ordinary in modern football, particularly after a costly error in a rivalry fixture. He admitted the own goal could easily have derailed his confidence and disrupted his entire season. Instead, the backing from the stands helped steady him and rebuild his belief.
The Villa goal, breaking that lengthy drought, felt like a reward not only for persistence but also for resilience. For Woltemade, the episode ultimately strengthened his bond with the Newcastle faithful transforming what could have been a defining low point into a moment that reaffirmed his place on Tyneside.
