January 4th 2024.
As the north east rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland prepare to face each other in the third round of the FA Cup, Sunderland have been forced to apologise for a serious error in judgement.
The Black Cats Bar area, which had been set aside for corporate hospitality fans of Newcastle, was decorated in Newcastle colours with a banner reading ‘Keep the black and white flag flying high’ placed over the bar.
On top of this, Sunderland’s motto ‘Ha’way the lads’ had been replaced with Newcastle’s rallying cry, ‘Howay the lads’.
Sunderland issued a statement apologising for the incident, explaining that a review would be undertaken to determine how the situation had unfolded. They also stated that the area would be returned to its original state.
The incident has sparked outrage amongst Sunderland fans, who have taken to social media to accuse the club of being ‘out of touch’ and ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for their rivals.
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini branded the incident ‘embarrassing’, adding that Newcastle fans would still be talking about it ‘in 50 years’ time’. He went on to criticise the club’s ownership group, claiming they should have had a better knowledge of how football works.
Sunderland have certainly put their foot in it this time, and it will be interesting to see how the incident affects the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light when the two sides meet on Saturday.
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