Sunderland made a grovelling apology to their livid followers after letting Newcastle United give sections of their beloved Stadium of Light a black and white themed makeover.
Newcastle United took over Sunderland’s £600 company space forward of their FA Cup conflict on Saturday (January 5), decking it out with banners declaring “we are United”, “keep the black and white flying high” and even “cheer up” – a nod to the Toon tune: “Cheer up Peter Reid, oh what can it mean, to a sad Mackem b****** and a s*** football team”.
After the staggering photographs leaked on-line, a Newcastle insider confirmed they had been real and put as much as make the place extra welcoming for visiting Toon followers. That provoked an enormous backlash from Sunderland supporters, earlier than the membership ordered the black and white branding to be taken down once more.
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In an announcement, the Championship membership stated: “Sunderland AFC acknowledges that a serious error in judgement was made in relation to Black Cats Bar earlier this afternoon. We apologise to our fans for the understandable concern they have fairly voiced in response and this sentiment is shared by the club’s ownership group and board of directors, who have requested an immediate review is undertaken to determine how this process unfolded.
“A direct resolution has additionally been taken by the possession group and board of administrators to return the area to its unique state and we as soon as once more apologise to our supporters that this was not addressed sooner.”
Who do you think will take the bragging rights when Sunderland host Newcastle in the FA Cup? Let us know in the feedback part beneath
(Image: @Nusc2023/Twitter)
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One fuming Sunderland supporter demanded: “Sack the board.” On soccer discussion board @RokerReport, the overwhelming majority of followers had been outraged, with one making their sentiments very clear, posting: “I’m absolutely appalled.”
A disgruntled Sunderland fan additionally messaged Sky Sports presenter and membership director Dave Jones, saying: “Do me a favour pal, tell Kyril (Louis Dreyfus, the owner) I want a straightener. F***ing minging this.” Another fan stated: “An embarrassing shambles of a decision and the supporters have a right to know whose decision it was to green light it.”
Newcastle supporters inevitably seized the chance to mock their rivals forward of Saturday’s match. One fan posted: “Rolling out the red carpet for North East royalty.” Another wrote: “What a sweet gesture, cheers lads. We coming out to the Blaydon Races for KO too?”
The transfer has added additional gasoline to the fireplace forward of the Tyne-Wear derby, as round 6,000 Newcastle followers will likely be escorted to Wearside in a police convoy on Saturday, taking on a complete finish on the stadium. This has angered Sunderland season ticket holders, who had been moved from their standard seats for the match.
* This article was crafted with the assistance of an AI software, which accelerates Daily Star’s editorial analysis. An editor reviewed this content material earlier than it was revealed. You can report any errors to starletters@dailystar.co.uk