‘An absolute disgrace’: Ex-PL club slammed over ‘tone deaf’ move as bitter derby clash nears

Sunderland have apologised to furious fans after a bar at their Stadium of Light was redecorated with Newcastle colours ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup clash between the bitter rivals.

Photos emerged on social media on Thursday of new signs in the ‘Black Cats Bar’ showing how it had been redecorated to welcome the corporate hospitality section of Newcastle’s support.

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One said “Keep the Black and White Flying High” and “We are United”, while Sunderland’s motto “Ha’way the lads” in red, was replaced with the Newcastle battle-cry, “Howay the lads” in black.

With tensions already running high ahead of the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016, Sunderland fans were quick to slam their club for the bizarre misjudgment.

One fan group known as The Spirit of 37 declared the banner farce as “tone deaf” and “disgusting” while Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley said it was “an absolute disgrace”.

The Championship side’s owners responded to the criticism by releasing an apologetic statement and promising to remove the Newcastle branding before the third round tie.

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“Sunderland AFC acknowledges that a serious error in Judgement was made in relation to Black Cats Bar earlier this afternoon,” the statement 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