Sunderland chairman issues emotional apology over Newcastle debacle
Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has issued a grovelling apology to supporters after the club’s 'disgusting' Newcastle-themed rebrand.
The Black Cats take on their Tyne-Wear rivals in the FA Cup third round this weekend - the first meeting of the two clubs since 2016. The Magpies are taking a huge away contingent for the clash, with up to 700 supporters being given access to the Black Cats bar at the Stadium of Light as part of a premium hospitality package.
In the lead-up to the game, Sunderland fans were left furious after images of the bar were leaked. Black and White banners adorned the walls, while slogans such as 'keep the red flag flying high' and 'Ha'way the Lads' were replaced by 'keep the black and white flying' and 'Ho'way the Lads'.
Now, the club’s chairman has been forced to intervene after being left “disgusted and hurt” by the rebrand. "I would like to apologise to everyone associated with Sunderland AFC for the events that have unfolded today," Louis-Dreyfus wrote on Instagram.
“Like our supporters, I was disgusted and hurt by the pictures circulating online of the inappropriate signs that have been ripped down. I take full responsibility for every decision that is taken by the employees of our club and you have my word that I will personally make sure that we make the necessary changes required to improve because it is clear that there are many areas where we need to be better.
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"I have to got know many of you personally over the past three years and I have always tried to act for the good of the people club represents, which makes today even more disappointing. I regret to have let you know, the greatest fans in the world.
"But I thank you for the trust you have shown in me, to lead your club, since the first day I arrived. I hope that in the months and years to come, I will be able to repay it to you - now my full support is behind the team for our upcoming derby."
Newcastle will face Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup (@RokerReport)Who will win between Sunderland and Newcastle? Share your predictions in the comments below
Louis-Dreyfus’s apology is the second statement that Sunderland have issued over the pictures. The club responded on Thursday evening with an apology of their own and claimed the rebrand was a “serious error in judgement”.
The bar has also been returned to its original state ahead of this weekend’s game. The match gets underway at 12:45pm on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle will be keen to claim their first Tyne-Wear derby victory since August 2011. Eddie Howe's men go into the match in rotten form after losing seven out of their last eight matches in all competitions.
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