Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle Toons react to Sunderland being relegated

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Yoan Gouffran and Sammy Ameobi (L) of Newcastle United challenge for the ball with Sebastian Larsson (2ndL) and Sebastian Coates (R) of Sunderland during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on December 21, 2014 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Yoan Gouffran and Sammy Ameobi (L) of Newcastle United challenge for the ball with Sebastian Larsson (2ndL) and Sebastian Coates (R) of Sunderland during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on December 21, 2014 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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It might be a while until the next Tyne-Wear derby as Newcastle United enjoy their top flight status, while Sunderland fall to League One.

After a devastating loss to Burton Albion over the weekend, Sunderland were officially relegated from the Championship to League One. The demise of Sunderland has a significant impact on the Tyne-Wear derby as it is unclear when Newcastle and Sunderland will meet again.

The famous derby in the North East of England was a joy to watch due to the sincere animosity between the two sets of supporters. The Magpies and the Black Cats met for the first time in 1883 and played each other 155 times across all competitions.

What is interesting about this derby is the total number of wins for each side. Neither club holds an advantage over the other as Newcastle and Sunderland have both won 53 times. The deep-rooted rivalry is now on hold as the next derby match will not take place any time soon.

In general, the Toon Army have utilized social media platforms to express their pleasure of seeing their main rivals experience successive relegations. Here at Newcastle Toons, each staff member also has their own perspective of Sunderland’s downfall.

Carson A. Merk

This was a slow march for the Black Cats towards League One, which allowed me to think this over for awhile. Honestly, I’m conflicted. The Newcastle United fan inside me is laughing and dancing on their relegation grave. I grew up being trained to hate your rival in any sport, so I have to smile that they went down again.

However, the writer side of me is running the analysis on this. I understand rivalries are important, for the players and supporters. Now, Newcastle United’s most intense rivalry is on the shelf for the foreseeable future. It’s unfortunate from that aspect that the Toon Army won’t get to experience that top notch match day atmosphere. I know it’s crazy to type this, but let’s hope Sunderland gets their act together and bounces back quick. You can’t have a Tyne-Wear Derby without the Wear…

Roy Emanuel

This was certainly a strong possibility for many weeks, as Sunderland consistently failed to get the results needed to remain in the Championship. The mood around the Stadium of Light has been becoming more toxic with each loss, and it finally hit the breaking point against Burton.

It is worth noting that this could have a negative effect on football in the North East, although Middlesbrough could still gain promotion to the Premier League this season. However, Newcastle fans will not see it this way, and they absolutely don’t have to. “Enjoy Burton” was the phrase, and it ended up being a cruel twist of ironic fate for the Black Cats.

Durim Halimi

Hearing the official confirmation of Sunderland’s relegation to League One did not surprise me. Sunderland’s form in the Championship this season was, in simple terms, dismal. Negative results continued to pile up and home attendance continued to fall. The expectation was for Sunderland to depart the Championship this season, but not in this direction.

Do I feel sympathy for Sunderland supporters? To a certain extent, for the much older generations of fans. However, what causes my sympathy to fade is their behavior and joy when Newcastle were relegated in 2016. It is unfortunate for the Magpies to lack a true rival in the top flight, but there is nothing Newcastle can do about it.

Declan Ryan

It’s hard to say that I feel any remorse for Sunderland following their relegation to League One. In fact, in many ways as a Newcastle supporter, it’s the perfect end to a saga that began as soon as Sunderland relegated Newcastle by defeating Everton 3-0 back in 2016.

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If there is a mutual element between the two clubs and their fans, barring geography of course, it’s to be found in the remarkable dysfunction of both clubs’ ownership. Both Mike Ashley and Ellis Short have done little for football in the North East and are equally despised amongst the respective fans. Yet perhaps there is a tiny slither of silver lining to be found if your allegiance is to the Magpies.

At least both North East clubs made it out of the Championship at the first time of asking.  With any luck, those gleeful Sunderland fans who celebrated the Magpies’ relegation in 2016 will enjoy far cheaper opportunities to witness another year of disappointment at the Stadium of Light.

Roll on Accrington Stanley away.