The Tyne-Wear derby is a notorious fixture for on-field and off-field drama.placeholder image
The Tyne-Wear derby is a notorious fixture for on-field and off-field drama. | AFP via Getty Images
Sunderland are the old enemy - the Tyne-Wear derby will always be the game that matters most to Newcastle United.
Newcastle United or Sunderland. Tyneside or Wearside. Black and white or red and white.
In a bygone era, it was Cavalier or Roundhead. The animosity of the Civil War persisted through the generations, culminating in a time when coal and shipbuilding pitted the two cities against each other. In its present form, 22 men on a football field provide the vehicle for the Tyne-Wear vitriol.
There will always be someone who cannot wait to tell you that this was not always the case. About how their grandad would watch Newcastle one week and Sunderland the next.
While the rare exception might exist, that does not make a minority experience the rule. Try telling tales of respect and kinship to one of the 120,000 supporters - despite a 30,000 capacity - who stormed the St James’ Park turf in 1901. This conflict is steeped in history.
Recent times have resulted in a section of Newcastle supporters attempting to downplay the rivalry. Since the Saudi-backed takeover, there has been a growing sense that the Magpies have moved beyond their local rivals.
But football is cyclical - and that was made clear when Sunderland stunned Eddie Howe’s men in November. For younger fans, the setback could well have been the catalyst to ignite their resentment.
Deep down, Newcastle supporters who claim detachment from the derby know this to be a pretence. It is the only fixture that grinds the North East to a standstill.
Non-football folk pause their schedule and strap in for 90 minutes when Newcastle face Sunderland. At face value, is a Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona more illustrious than facing the team sitting 13th in the Premier League? Absolutely.
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But which game locks down Newcastle city centre, has Geordie nanas dialled in and ensures thousands of Monday morning sick notes if the Magpies lose?
Everyone will be tuned in at midday. For better or worse, the Tyneside conurbation will be a bear pit of emotion at the full-time whistle.
Not since October 2010 - the famous 5-1 annihilation - has St James’ Park hosted a victory over Sunderland. If they break the barren run this afternoon, see for yourselves how much the result means to those across the city.
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