Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says criticising Black Cats players for liking social media photos of Newcastle United's League Cup victory celebrations are "nonsense".
Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport that those directing abuse at Salis Abdul Samed and Jenson Seelt following their bitter rivals' victory over Liverpool at Wembley should "grow up".
"I don't think it's something to get heated about. It's just a click on a mouse," he said. "Really? Grow up."
"We don't know the background to this; they may be friends with these players. These players haven't been brought up in Sunderland or Newcastle and they are aware of the rivalry.