SUNDERLAND fans have reacted furiously after images emerged on social media showing Newcastle United branding being installed in a section of the Stadium of Light ahead of Saturday’s Wear-Tyne derby with the Magpies.

Newcastle supporters have been handed the Black Cats Bar area of Sunderland’s stadium to house corporate hospitality fans during Saturday’s game.

That was a controversial enough move anyway, with Sunderland fans having taken to social media in the last couple of weeks to express their unhappiness at a popular part of their home ground being made unavailable to them for their biggest game of the season.

However, that frustration was nothing compared to the anger that has accompanied images that began to appear on social media today showing the way in which the Black Cats bar is set to be decorated for Saturday’s derby.

Pictures, which are understood to be genuine, have been posted to social media showing a plaque with the words “Black and White” in black and white colours being unwrapped ready to be mounted on either the wall or a surface in the bar.

Other images show banners running around the top of the wall bearing the words “Keep the black and white flying high” and “We are United”.

A further image shows Sunderland’s motto ‘Ha’way the lads’ having been changed to Newcastle’s rallying cry, ‘Howay the lads’.

Michael Oates, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “An embarrassing shambles of a decision and the supporters have a right to know whose (sic) decision it was to green light it.”

Lee (@Lee­_2677) said: “Owners, board and anyone else involved in this decision need to be sacked or driven out of the club completely. The most tinpot thing I’ve ever seen.”

However. Gordon Picker provided an alternative viewpoint, writing: “Is it not a way to try to build bridges between fans and clubs (perhaps misguided but nevertheless an attempt to welcome them as human beings)? Remember how it was when we were caged in football grounds and herded like cattle by belligerent police?”