Sunderland have apologised for a “serious error in judgement” after a bar at the Stadium of Light was redecorated with Newcastle slogans.
The Black Cats Bar, to be used by away fans, was furnished with the signage for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie.
Pictures, including a sign emblazoned with “keep the black and white flying high”, had circulated prior to the Tyne-Wear derby taking place.
In a statement, Sunderland said the bar would “return to its original state”.
“Sunderland AFC acknowledges that a serious error in judgement was made in relation to Black Cats Bar earlier this afternoon,” the Championship club said.
“We apologise to our fans for the understandable concern they have fairly voiced in response and this sentiment is shared by the club’s ownership group and board of directors, who have requested an immediate review is undertaken to determine how this process unfolded.
“A direct decision has also been taken by the ownership group and board of directors to return the space to its original state and we once again apologise to our supporters that this was not addressed sooner.”
Further images of the bar, which is being used for hospitality for Newcastle supporters, showed further signs including “we are united” and “cheer up Peter Reid” – a reference to a chant sung by Magpies fans about the former Sunderland manager.
‘This will be mentioned in 50 years’ time’
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini described the error as “embarrassing”.
“We’ve got a group who’ve taken over the club who you would think, after the last lot we’ve had, would have a bit more knowledge of how football works,” he said.
“There are people from the region on the board. The owner, his club was involved in one of the biggest rivalries in French football with his family’s club, and we’ve opened ourselves up to this. I don’t believe it if I’m honest.
“It’s embarrassing. This will be mentioned by Newcastle fans in 50 years’ time.”