Tyne-Wear derby 'more than just football'
BBC Radio Newcastle have broadcast a special programme looking at the history of the Tyne-Wear derby and previewing Sunday's meeting between Newcastle and Sunderland at St James' Park. Total Sport's Simon Pryde takes us through how the derby began, the moments that have gone down in history - and what the derby means to the players, fans and to the North East as a region. He is joined by reporters, historians and fans from both sides to tell the story behind a truly special fixture.
Contextualising the rivalry, BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck said: "When I think of the north-east derby i just think about passion. The passion both sets of fans have for their club and how much we get to experience that when a game is being played. The 90 minutes is full of fever, passion and energy in the stands.
" BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes said: "In one sense it's a fantastic occasion, in another it's a massive headache. "A madness in the build-up to the game itself. I always have a fear and a trepidation because I worry Sunderland will lose and all the fallout that comes with that.
On the day itself, the anxiety, expectation, excitement and atmosphere makes it a remarkable occasion. I'm glad we've got one back, it has seemed like an eternity. " Listen above or on BBC Sounds [BBC]