Flashscore’s deep dive into over 9,000 Premier League games since 2000 has revealed the North East’s roughest contenders, with Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough ranking among the “dirtiest” teams in league history. This gritty reputation comes from fouls, yellow cards, and red cards amassed over more than ten seasons at the top level. Only teams with a decade in the league could make the cut – and these three have certainly earned their place!

Flashscore’s “Dirty List” reveals the rough side of North East football, with Middlesbrough, Sunderland, and Newcastle securing spots in the top ten. Middlesbrough’s ten-season tenure saw 4,877 fouls, 616 yellows, and 32 reds – averaging a feisty 12.83 fouls per game. Sunderland, with 14 seasons, tops the yellows chart with 970, plus 6,538 fouls and 51 reds, averaging 12.29 fouls per game.

Newcastle United also earned their place in the “dirtiest” teams ranking, with a staggering 9,691 fouls, 1,274 yellow cards, and 50 red cards across 22 Premier League seasons, averaging 11.59 fouls per game. Alongside Sunderland and Middlesbrough, the North East trio has made its mark in the league’s toughest ranks!

Flashscore UK’s country manager, Charlie Ford, weighed in on the study, stating, “The findings reveal surprising insights into which Premier League teams have consistently ranked among the most ill-disciplined on the pitch. While football’s competitive nature invites physicality, especially in England’s top flight, some teams appear to have crossed the line more often, accumulating notably high foul counts, yellow cards, and red cards per game.”

With North East clubs like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough among the top offenders, these results cast a spotlight on the region’s aggressive style across decades in the league.

Ford added that teams could benefit from placing a greater emphasis on discipline and fair play, suggesting that “a focus on refined defensive techniques could improve these standings. Stronger player development and officiating that encourages clean, tactical play might help reduce these numbers in future seasons.”

As North East clubs look to temper their aggressive reputation, adopting these strategies could reshape their impact on the pitch and improve their disciplinary record in the long term.