Tyne-Wear Derby Returns Amid Tensions and Controversy

Newcastle's Wealth and Sunderland's Hope Clash in Long-Awaited Match

The first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 is set to take place at the Stadium of Light, with Newcastle fans barred from using the local metro due to intense inter-club animosity.
Newcastle's Saudi Arabian-led takeover in 2021 and Sunderland's plunge into the third tier in 2018 have significantly changed the dynamics of the teams.
Sunderland's squad cost about £20m to assemble, while more than £500m has been spent on Newcastle's team.
Sunderland's initial decision to redecorate a club hospitality suite in black and white for Newcastle fans sparked outrage, leading to an apology and reversal from owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Despite Newcastle's wealth, their record in the FA Cup over the past two decades has been poor, raising Sunderland's hopes of victory.