Sunderland and Newcastle United have one of the most acrimonious rivalries in British football. And next season, the two might clash in the Premier League, their first top-flight encounter since 2016.
Sunderland have a solid recent record against Newcastle United. The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last seven league games against the Magpies, winning six. Although Newcastle won the previous meeting.
In 2023/24, under Michael Beale’s leadership, Sunderland fell 3-0 to Newcastle United in the FA Cup. Under Regis Le Bris, Sunderland has improved significantly and is aiming for promotion to the Premier League.
Sunderland’s recent 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light puts them in 4th place in the Championship table, with only three points separating them from leaders Leeds United.
Possible Sunderland and Newcastle United groundshare mooted
Newcastle United is expected to announce plans to upgrade their home field, St James’ Park, increasing capacity from 52,000 to approximately 65,000.
According to Louise Taylor of The Guardian, the club’s owners will decide by mid-March whether to spend £1 billion on improvements or build a completely new stadium.
She also says that either choice “will almost certainly result in months of planning wrangles, not to mention the likely need to share the Stadium of Light with Sunderland while a potential rebuild takes place.”
Taylor goes on to say that, while the move would be unpopular, it is possible, citing the fact that Inter and AC Milan have successfully shared ground for some time.
Michael Graham reacts to possible Sunderland and Newcastle United groundshare
Sunderland’s renowned Stadium of Light, with a seating capacity of around 49,000, offers ample space to house Newcastle United for an extended period of time. However, both sets of supporters believe it is a move that will produce major schisms.
And journalist Michael Graham was eager to voice his thoughts on Taylor’s proposed point, saying, “Errrrm, would Sunderland not get a say in this, like?”
Newcastle United’s owners may be hesitant to share the Stadium of Light with Sunderland due to the potential for instability.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus could be open to a groundshare arrangement. However, given the current situation, it is exceedingly unlikely.
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