Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Saudi State FC - FA Cup 3rd Round – Saturday 6th January 2024 - KO 12:45

…because this is the current SAFC. Its been a shambles off the pitch for a long long time now. Embarrassing.

 

As long as its not on sat during the game. I know we wont n itll all be support behind the team to try n beat that lot

 

If we’re poor and the mags are beating us (as expected) then it’ll turn, imo.

 

This was obviously done for a reason, and there's no chance that reason was to piss Sunderland fans off. So this leaves two possibilities:

Either

1. KLD and the board didn't know it would be such a huge PR gaffe - this is bad as it shows both a lack of connection with the fans and the area; and also frankly a lack of common sense
2. KLD and the board did know it would be a huge PR gaffe, but decided it was worth doing anyway - this is worrying also, as they've chosen to prioritise something over and above supporter satisfaction

Considering any matchday revenue will need to be shared 50/50 with Newcastle, and will be relatively small in the big scheme of things, both options show a lack of business sense frankly.

 

If they score first it will turn unbelievably fast imo

 

Thatll be shocking if it does

Need the supporters to be the 12th man on Saturday

 

I've been involved in hiring quite a few venues for family affairs, corporate events, etc. My experience is that once you've paid enough they'll let you dress it up however you like ...

... unless this room is visible to Sunderland supporters I wouldn't be particularly bothered.

And, as a waitress, I'd probably be pleased not to have to wear Sunderland badges tbh. As someone who's had a fair bit to do with security, at various events, I'd say it reduces the 'them and us' aspect considerably.

I've noticed, at most away games, the stewards don't wear anything partisan.

 

If these are really the pictures of the decorations (they seem fairly legit but TBH the phrases used do not sound like them) then the club and the decision makers should be ashamed of themselves as it shows a disregard for its own fans and does not help an already volatile situation. If they come out with some spiel about protecting the bar from damage then basically the whole prospect of allowing them the tickets in the first place needs to be called into question. We may as well roll over and have our bellies scratched.
If true it is a total disregard of their own fan base and as most have said a profoundly bad PR disaster for KLD and his leadership team.

 

Agree 100% but it won’t take much after this unfortunately, I’d rather we wait until full time if any of that carry on is to happen

 

Unfortunately I feel like the tide has turned.

We need answers and quickly.

 

Yeh, I've got to say the "no red and white ties or Sunderland badges" for staff working in that area seems like a sensible idea to me. I've got no problem with that.

 

Don't mean this patronisingly but it always feels worse on the internet. Not for one second saying people in real life aren't upset by this. But I don't think any tide is turning just yet. Not whilst results are okay. Tides only turn when we lose.

 

I’m reading all over (social media) now that the plan is to chant for KLD out from the start of the match.

I’ll be honest, if that happens I’ll likely get up and leave.

 

It definitely won't happen. Maybe a small few but not enough to get picked up.

 

The result on the pitch is the important thing for now, answers can come after the game

All focus needs to be on winning

Answers can come after that

The fact folk seem to think itll turn if they go 1 up is extremely worrying as the only people thatll impact are the players. The players need our support as theyve not been involved in any of these decisions

It could also be newcastle fans photoshopping pictures to wind us up

 

I'm guessing that there's been a massive turnover in staff (certainly at the decision making level) since the last time we played the club formerly known as Newcastle United, and what the reality of this fixture is has been forgotten.

I think KLD is in for a bit of a shock.

 

Still just a mistake for me albeit a bad and inexplicable one. Agreed the club need to be made aware if they aren't already.

 

I’m hoping it turns the atmosphere into the most fierce us v them it’s ever been, sadly I can’t see it, has potential to be flat then toxic if it goes tits up on the pitch

 

The last 10 minutes against Coventry didn’t feel worse than the internet.

 

Ill be embarrassed by our supporters if we do that

The result has to be priority the rest can wait till.after the game