George Harris
Jan 05, 2024 - 12:10

Sunderland apologises to fans over stadium bar decorated in Newcastle colours before FA Cup tie

Sunderland AFC apologizes for decorating stadium bar in rival's colors ahead of FA Cup match, sparking outrage among fans.

Sunderland AFC has issued an apology to its fans after a stadium bar was decorated in the colors of their arch-rivals, Newcastle, just days before the two teams are set to face off in the FA Cup.

The club admitted to making a "serious error in judgment" after banners displaying messages like "Keep the Black and White Flying High" and "We are United" were hung at the Stadium of Light. Additionally, a message reading "Ha'way the lads" in Sunderland's red was replaced with the Geordie spelling "Howay" in black.

Sunderland plays in red and white, while Newcastle plays in black and white.

In a statement on the club's website, they expressed their apologies to fans for the "understandable concern they have fairly voiced" and announced that an "immediate review" had been ordered. The bar, which will serve as a corporate hospitality area for visiting fans, will be returned to its previous state before the upcoming match.

The Newcastle United Supporters' Club shared pictures of the decorations, joking about the hospitality of their hosts for the weekend. However, they also expressed disappointment, stating that "the damage has already been done" despite the removal of the signage.

Tensions among Sunderland fans were already high due to some season ticket holders being moved from their usual seats to accommodate 6,000 traveling Newcastle supporters in the stadium's North Stand.

A Love Supreme, a long-standing fanzine, expressed their frustration, stating that they were "at a complete loss for words" and questioning the club's actions. Fans on social media also voiced their anger and disappointment, with many calling the move "disgusting" and a "disgrace."

The upcoming match between the two teams is highly anticipated, as it will be the first time they have met since 2016. Sunderland had won each of the previous six encounters, adding to the excitement and tension surrounding the upcoming FA Cup showdown.