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What makes the Tyne Wear derby so special?

Oct 31 2010 by Helen Rae, Sunday Sun

PUB landlords near St James’ Park are gearing up for a bumper day as fans head for a few pints before and after the match.

Neil Amos, landlord at the Newcastle Arms in Newcastle, said the atmosphere is always strained and arguments inevitably break out.

The 51-year-old said: “It is a lot more tense on derby days, there is definitely a different atmosphere and people are particularly geed up for matches between Newcastle and Sunderland because of the strong historic rivalry between the two cities.

“The pub will be rammed before and after the game and it is all people will be talking about.

“For the last week the main topic of conversation in the pub has been about the derby and everyone has an opinion about how the match will go”.

Although true football fans go to derby matches to watch their beloved team play, there are unfortunately some who just want to cause trouble.

Neil explained: “There will always be verbal arguments and fights do break out on derby day.

“When Sunderland is playing at St James’ Park there is no way a Sunderland fan would walk on their own around the city as they know they will get hassled.

“But I’ve been going to football matches since I was 10 years old and it has always been the same. It is no different now to how it used to be.

“Derby days are always exciting and something football fans very much look forward to.”

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