Jamie Carragher has slammed Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul for conversing with an opponent on the way to the dressing rooms at half-time on Sunday.

The Dutch gloveman appeared to congratulate Sunderland's Jermain Defoe after he scored with a stunning volley just before the break in the Magpies' eventual 1-0 loss in the Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking on Sky Sports' coverage of the match, Carragher felt it was unnecessary for Krul to mix with Defoe during such a vital fixture and criticised him for his apparent light-hearted gesture.

"I wouldn't do it or want to see one of my own team doing it," said Carragher.

"Someone who doesn't care about football might say it is good sportsmanship, but when I played in Everton v Liverpool games I would certainly not be shaking an Everton's player hand if he scored a goal.

"He is actually waiting for him and smiling. When you play a derby game you don't just play on the day, there is the build-up through the week, the training ground, the press, everyone is on edge, you build yourself into a frenzy when you despise the opposition.

"At the end of the game, if you lose 1-0 you shake hands and say 'great goal Jermain', you don't smile or laugh. We don't know what he said, but there is no doubt he is passionate about the club and he looks like one of the leaders, but I think it is a mistake.

"I don't know why he is laughing and patting him on the back of the head, I am not saying he is a terrible character but no matter what he says I can't look at that in a big derby game and think that's right."