The Tyne and Wear derby: Is Newcastle and Sunderland the most underrated derby in England?

The Tyne and Wear derby is a historical fixture in English football, 12 miles, 13 stops on the metro and one change is the only thing that connects the two sides whose hatred for each other is a staple in the North East.  

It may only be seen as a game of football to outsiders but a fixture between Newcastle and Sunderland means so much to supporters and the region of the North East. Bragging rights in this game is worth its weight in gold for supporters as derby weekend on Tyneside and Wearside is always one of the most important days of the year. 

From a civil war between the two cities in 1644 at the Battle of Boldon Hill hatred between these two cities and teams is etched in the history of the North East. Dating back to Christmas eve in 1898 these two rivals have took to battle 158 times with Sunderland coming out on top 55 times and Newcastle United having 54 wins, with the sides sharing the points 49 times.  

St James’ Park welcomes the players to the latest Tyne and Wear derby.  PHOTO: Finley Brown  

“It’s absolutely massive, on a derby weekend, the entire region is on edge.” Dylan, who’s a Sunderland fan with over ten thousand followers on TikTok, told me what this game means to Sunderland supporters.  

“Whether that’s through nerves for the game, or if they’re just using it as an excuse to go out on the drink,  

“Yes, some people will just do that, but on a Derby Day, local businesses will see a boom in sales, the pubs and even the shops, because people will be going in there to buy things evenif they’re just watching it at home. 

“As for the younger fans, you need to give them something to get really invested and really involved, and I think it’s the way football’s going now, there’s too many kids who are just picking a good team and sticking with that.” 

Dylan added; “If you take a kid who’s not quite into football yet to a Tyne and Wear derby, they’ll be hooked for life.  

“So that’s why it’s so important to have this game on a yearly basis and as well, just the chance for the bragging rights, like I haven’t been able to celebrate a win over Newcastle for so long, and we’ve finally got it now and I don’t want to lose the opportunity to do it again in the coming years.” 

Stadium of Light welcoming the players to the first Tyne and Wear derby of the 25/26 season.  PHOTO: Louis Gill 

I asked Dylan on what he thought about how supporters outside of the region who aren’t connected to both clubs think of the derby and do they understand how important the game is, he said; 

“I think they’re probably… they’re probably guilty of it more recently, just with this year’s two derbies being the first ones in the Premier League in so long. 

“I think the FA Cup one, obviously nobody from outside the region was too bothered about, because it was just a, what was it, third round? 

“But I think now that now that we’re back, and now that it’s going to hopefully be… be a lot more of a regular occurrence, I think people are going to be reminded that it’s far and away the best, the fiercest and just one of the most notorious derbies in English football. 

 “I’d say in the UK, Celtic and Rangers are the only one that tops it for me, and I think if people aren’t already aware of that, they’re going to see it over the coming years.”

The younger generation of supporters for both clubs have the memories of this rivalry drilled into them by their family as this derby runs deep through the region and its moments stick through many generations. Speaking on the impact this game has for the younger generation and how important it is for them to understand what this game means Dylan said; 

“I hope so, and I think so. I think even for kids who haven’t seen it their mums or their dads, or whoever it is that sort of gets them into football, they’ll be drilling into them, what it means to have bragging rights over your neighbours in this region.  

“It does mean more than it might necessarily mean in other parts of the country, and I think that just boils down to the fact that football allegiance borderlines on religion in the North East, I think that’s very fair to say, and it is massive.” 

Chris Waugh, Newcastle United correspondent for The Athletic, speaking about how important the Tyne and Wear derby is to English football said;  

“No, I don’t think people understand how important the game is to supporters if you’re not from the area. 

“There has been a debate whether the derby was just as big as the Barcelona game in the Champions League but the fact that this is even a debate shows how much it means to supporters.  

“The rivalry is so engrained between supporters and both cities. 

 “People don’t understand and appreciate how important the game is unless you’re involved in it as a fan. 

“This rivalry between the two sides is drilled into families on how much it means to win. 

 “The hatred between the two seems to be more strong and bitter now more than ever.” 

Players and fans alike have to feel the full atmosphere of the Tyne and Wear derby to prepare themselves accordingly as unlike other derbies within English football this game is a major stamp in the football calendar for both clubs no matter the circumstances. Speaking on this subject Charlie Bennett, Newcastle United writer for the Shields Gazette, said; 

“I certainly feel as though the derby is recognised as one of the fiercest and most tribalistic in the league.  

“Players from overseas who arrive at both clubs are also swiftly made aware of how important this game is and how they have to buy in to what it represents.  

“Some of the scenes at St James’ Park on Sunday prove that the vitriol is still strong.  

“I’d expect it to ramp up to former heights in the coming years now both clubs will be playing each other regularly.” 

Alan Shearer statue outside St James Park Photo: Finley Brown