Robert Huth's late goal denied Newcastle their first victory under Kevin Keegan's new reign as the Tyne-Tees derby at St James' Park ended in a 1-1 draw.
Michael Owen had given the hosts a 1-0 lead after heading home Emre's free-kick on the hour mark but Newcastle couldn't find the killer second goal.
And Middlesbrough made them play as Huth's looping header from a Julio Arca cross gave the visitors an equaliser three minutes from time - although two Boro players appeared to be offside as the ball came in.
It could have got even worse for Newcastle as Jeremie Aliadiere had a late 'goal' chalked off for offside in a thrilling finish.
The ball had broken back to him after Stewart Downing's free-kick had struck the post but a linesman's flag stopped Boro's celebrations short.
Newcastle were also denied an early goal in controversial circumstances when Owen's close-range effort was ruled out for a foul on Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer even though the contact looked minimal.
The point pulls Boro five points clear of the drop zone, while Newcastle remain two points ahead of their north-east rivals.
In the day's other game, Fulham boosted their survival hopes with a dramatic 2-1, come-from-behind, victory over high-flying Aston Villa.
Jimmy Bullard, who spent 16 months out with a career-threatening knee injury, scored a superb 86th-minute free-kick to give Roy Hodgson his first win since he replaced Lawrie Sanchez as manager.
An own goal from former Villa defender Aaron Hughes following a right-wing corner had put the visitors in front after 69 but that lead lasted just four minutes as Simon Davies swept home Bullard's cross to equalise.
The win was only Fulham's third of the season in the league and it lifts them to within three points of safety.
Villa stay sixth, three points behind Everton who currently occupy the final Champions League position.
Villa's bad day was made worse due to a hamstring injury to Gabriel Agbonlahor - a problem which looks set to end the youngster's hopes of making his England debut against Switzerland on Wednesday night.
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