Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher won't back down over criticising Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul for congratulating Jermain Defoe after his Sunderland matchwinner at halftime on Sunday.

Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail: "It is a week since I criticised Newcastle United's goalkeeper for appearing to congratulate Jermain Defoe at half-time during the Wear-Tyne derby after the Sunderland striker beat him with a brilliant volley. I'm still struggling to work out why Krul did what he did.

"I have nothing against Krul, personally or professionally. He's been one of the few players who have performed consistently for Newcastle in recent seasons, which led to him being part of Holland's World Cup squad last summer.

"But coming together with an opponent and smiling after he's scored against you in a match of such importance? No, I'm sorry. I can't understand why any player would feel the need to do that. At the end of the game? That's not an issue - there is no more appropriate place for sportsmanship."