http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/fans_put_rivalry_aside_with_derby_day_generosity_1_4195055 A KIND-HEARTED Black Cats supporter extended an olive branch to a rival fan in time for the Sunderland and Middlesbrough game. Sunderland AFC supporter Gordon McPherson heard Middlesbrough fan Colin Rowe on a football phone-in show, telling of his disappointment at not getting tickets to see his beloved Boro play at The Stadium of Light. Colin, 61, called into Real Radio Legends to say that he had been unable to secure tickets for the derby game for himself and his grandson despite being a season ticket holder for 35 years. When Gordon heard about Colinâs plight he contacted the station offering two tickets for Colin and his grandson to join him as guests in the Sports Bar at The Stadium of Light. Although initially Colin turned down the tickets, saying he needed to be at his own end of the stadium with Middlesbrough fans, a few minutes later he called back in to the station after 13-year-old grandson Keiran badgered his grandad into accepting them. Colin said: âGordonâs offer came completely out of the blue and I just canât thank him enough for his generosity.â Gordon, from Seaham, is managing director at Seaham Safety Services, and holds season tickets for the Sports Bar in the Stadium. Gordon, 57, a life-long Sunderland AFC fan, said: âItâs not right all the Middlesbrough fans going without tickets. Colin is a smashing fella.â Colin said heâd been awake since before 4am yesterday and added: âIâm like a kid with a new bike.â Grandson Keiran was also delighted after thinking he and his grandad would be left ticketless. Keiran said: âItâs amazing because we thought we werenât going to get tickets and then Gordon rang up the radio station.â Real Radio Legend Bernie Slaven, said: âFootball fans can sometimes get a bit of bad press, but not on this occasion.â
