Source:
REUTERS/JASON CAIRNDUFF
[Saba
Sports News] This Saturday, Sunderland are set to face their longtime rivals
Newcastle United in the FA Cup at home, marking the first Tyne and Wear derby
in over eight years. Prior to the match, Newcastle, with the support of
Sunderland, displayed black and white signs, badges, and slogans of Newcastle
United in the corporate area of the Stadium of Light. This was done with the
intention of making Newcastle fans and executives feel welcome. However,
Sunderland fans were outraged upon learning about this and called for action to
be taken against the club’s management. Subsequently, Sunderland issued a
statement apologizing for the incident. The club acknowledged that it had made
a serious error in judgment regarding the Black Cat Bar. They apologized to the
fans who expressed understandable concerns, and this sentiment was shared by
the club’s ownership group and board. In response, the ownership group and
board of directors have decided to restore the area to its original condition.
The club once again apologized to its supporters for not addressing the issue
in a timely manner. It remains to be seen whether the Black Cat fans are
satisfied with this resolution.