“On A Red And White Tide, We Stormed The Visitors’ Fortress”
“It’s just a sense of satisfaction, pride and utter joy at what the Lads were able to accomplish,” writes Phil West.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Sunderland fans celebrate the winning goal as Newcastle fans below an Eddie Howe's black and white army flag, look on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on March 22, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images As a football fan, sometimes it’s necessary to take a step back when viewing a truly epic result in all its majesty. Like a piece of classic Hollywood cinema, what you perhaps didn’t initially appreciate by way of character nuances, plot twists or iconic images often only becomes clear on second, third, fourth or fifth viewing, and that theory undoubtedly applies as the afterglow from Sunderland’s epic victory over Newcastle United continues to burn as intensely as a Tatooine sunset: mesmeric, unforgettable, and one of the truly epic visuals in cinematic history.
For the desert planet of Star Wars , see the “Cathedral On The Hill”, a lopsided mass of steel and cantilever construction that, barely two weeks ago, witnessed something as spectacular as George Lucas’ magnum opus: Sunderland triumphing against the odds, against all logic, a crippling injury list and a tide of black and white belief. In theory, it shouldn’t have happened. “On paper”, as they always like to proclaim, Newcastle should’ve emerged victorious.
Better team, proven top flight manager, a pre-match flag display whose centrepiece of a top hat-sporting feathered critter harked back to the imagery that I’m sure once adorned the walls at the Crowtree’s Checkers Cafe…or maybe that was just a figment of my imagination — but the script had been written. Nevertheless, the red and white army travelled in great numbers and remained in superb voice throughout. The hosts, for their part, had hung a banner on the Leazes End which would’ve doubtless been used as a framing device had their players delivered on the day.
They affected ignorance and a lack of knowledge of the quality of our players. They mocked us. They oozed a sense of sneering superiority.
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