da dobrowin: Sunderland fans taunted Newcastle with posters showing bleeding pound signs, in a reference to their Saudi takeover, before their FA Cup tie.
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Sunderland fans mock Newcastle playersPreviously attacked Shearer statueOne fan confronted LascellesWHAT HAPPENED?
Sunderland's fans prepared for the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 by readying printouts of bleeding pound signs, clearly in reference to their bitter rivals' takeover by the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund. One fan even waved the sign in the face of Magpies defender Jamaal Lascelles before kick-off at the Stadium of Light.
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The coordinated mockery took place days after Sunderland fans vandalised the statue of Magpies legend Shearer outside St James' Park, having dressed it in a retro Black Cats shirt. The two sides, of course, have gone eight years without a meeting due to Sunderland's struggles in the lower-leagues.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sunderland are currently pushing for a return to the Premier League. The Wearside club are sixth in the second tier, and will hope to seal a place in the play-offs.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
After the FA Cup tie, Sunderland will return to action in the Championship against Ipswich Town next weekend. Newcastle face Manchester City in the Premier League, by comparison.