Why Do Sunderland and Newcastle Hate Each Other?

The rivalry between Sunderland and Newcastle Football Club has a rich history, stretching back over decades. However, in recent times, this once passionate and friendly competition has evolved into something more bitter and ridiculous. Through personal anecdotes and a historical perspective, this article aims to explore the underlying reasons for this intense rivalry and why it continues to be so deeply ingrained.

Personal Perspective

My father was a miner in Murton, Co. Durham, where I was born in 1935. From our doorstep, you could see the Sunderland dockyards and the North Sea. Although the coal mining community in my father’s pit had little sign of regional rivalry, most of his working-class friends were Sunderland fans. One of his friends had a son who became a talented footballer. This young player was eventually signed by Newcastle United, a decision that should have brought great joy to Sunderland fans but unfortunately, it was not.

Newcastle's Early Glory

During the early 1950s, Newcastle had a remarkable run of cup final victories. They won the FA Cup three times within a span of four years. My father's friend's son was part of the team that participated in those cup finals. My father, eager to remember this remarkable achievement, asked his friend to obtain a copy of the matchday programme which, to his surprise, was autographed by all the Newcastle players. This programm would be worth a fortune today and truly captured the spirit of those triumphant years.

The Lost Programme

Fast forward to the mid to late 1960s, just as I was getting married and moving out of my parents' house, I left behind several personal items, including that autographed cup final programme. My father passed away, and my mother moved to a smaller house, where she cleared out all the remaining items of interest. Unfortunately, my autographed programme was discarded, an event that has weighed heavily on my conscience for over 50 years.

Current Rivalry and Banter

Looking at the current rivalry between the clubs, it largely comes down to banter and friendly competition. Fans from both sides enjoy the banter, although there are undoubtedly 'haters' in every club. However, in recent years, Newcastle supporters seem to have less interest in their Wearside rivals. This could change if Sunderland ever ascends to the Premier League, the top tier of English football, as every fan knows that a rivalry in this league is much more intense and competitive.

Human Rights and Football

Interestingly, Sunderland supporters have recently started to take onboard human rights issues, possibly due to the influence of their fans or due to changing social perspectives. This shift in focus, however, has not significantly dampened the rivalry; it remains a passionate and often volatile affair.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Sunderland and Newcastle is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the northeast of England. While today's fans may enjoy the rivalry as part of the fabric of their football experience, we should strive to look beyond it. The old football rivalries, once so fierce, now exist in a time when our world has moved beyond them. The fact that we are still caught up in these old disputes in a modern era is indeed sad and ridiculous.

As English football fans, let us hope that there comes a day when we can enjoy our passion for the game without letting old rivalries dictate our emotions. Sunderland and Newcastle are not our enemies, but simply other teams in a beautiful game.