‘It’s just crazy’ – Kevin Phillips is every Sunderland fan after Stadium of Light bar decorated for Newcastle

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips was left bemused after his former club decorated a bar in rival colours ahead of their clash with Newcastle.

The Black Cats welcome bitter north-east rivals Newcastle to the Stadium of Light on Saturday in a highly-anticipated FA Cup tie – the first meeting between the clubs since 2016.

Ahead of Saturday lunchtime’s kick-off, leaked images showed a bar in the away section of the stadium, decorated in a way to welcome the 6,000 Newcastle fans due to attend the game.

Sunderland fans ripped into their club on social media, before the Championship side issued an official statement profusely apologising and assuring supporters the bar would be returned to its original state.

Club owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus also revealed his ‘disgust’ at the images and promised to make the 'necessary changes required.'

His stance was one shared by iconic striker Phillips who believes decision makers at the club got it wrong.

“If they hadn't taken them down, the Newcastle fans certainly would have,” Phillips told talkSPORT. “I find it amazing, sometimes Sunderland do things where you just kind of scratch your head.

“The last game at the Stadium of Light, Newcastle fans smashed the toilets up in the away end.”

Phillips, who scored 66 goals in 153 appearances for Sunderland, also warned the club to expect further damage this time round should the Black Cats heap further misery on Eddie Howe’s under-performing side.

“They’ve not played each other for eight or nine years and with the pressure as well imagine if Sunderland win the game, Newcastle fans will absolutely destroy that bar,” he added.

“There will be no stopping them. I feel sorry for the stewards in there. It's just a crazy decision.

“They could have shut the bar for