09 January 2024 , 11:35
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A major technical error saw Sunderland hand out free beer to Newcastle fans during the Black Cats' humiliating defeat in the Tyne-Wear Derby.
The Magpies claimed a 3-0 win over their bitter rivals in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. The build-up to the game had seen Sunderland fans slam their club for allowing Newcastle to put up their own signs in the stand their supporters would be sitting in.
Sunderland chiefs were forced to apologise for that nightmare error, but dropped another clanger during the match itself. An own-goal from from Daniel Ballard as well as two strikes from Alexander Isak ensured it was a dominant derby win for Newcastle.
And their fans were able to fully celebrate their team's victory after a technical glitch ensured they were handed free beer by Sunderland fans. The glitch saw the bars' card readers lose WIFI connection and go offline just before the final whistle.
According to The Times, bar staff had already begun pouring pints ahead of an anticipated rush at the final whistle. But they were unable to charge for those beers, allowing Newcastle fans to enjoy them for free.
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The Stadium of Light's Wifi went down shortly after the game, with Sunderland unable to get it back online before Newcastle fans hit the bar. That sparked jubilation from the delighted Toon fans.
One supporter said on social media: “The best bit for me was when the card machines went off and we were given free pints. Made up for the fact we had to wait two hours to get out of the ground.”
Newcastle won thanks to two goals from Alexander Isak (CameraSport via Getty Images)The incident comes after Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was forced to issue a personal apology for allowing Newcastle to put up their own signs in the ground. They installed black and white signs and logos in the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland's full approval.
One sign had the Mackem greeting 'Ha’way' crossed out and replaced by the Geordie version 'Howay'. Another behind a bar mocked the Sunderland anthem “Keep the Red Flag flying high”, with Louis-Dreyfus apologising ahead of the game.
"I would like to apologise to everyone associated with Sunderland AFC for the events that have unfolded today. Like our supporters, I was disgusted and hurt by the pictures circulating online of the inappropriate signs that have been ripped down," Louis-Dreyfus wrote on Instagram.
"I take full responsibility for every decision that is taken by the employees of our club and you have my world that I will personally make sue that we make the necessary changes required to improve because it is clear that there are many areas where we need to be better.
"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 is behind the team for our upcoming derby."