Sunderland owner 'disgusted' after bar at Stadium of Light is decorated in Newcastle colours ahead of crunch FA Cup clash

The Newcastle signs were put up for the away supporters' use at the Black Cats Bar on Saturday ahead of their third-round clash in the FA Cup. Sunderland claimed in a previous statement that it "acknowledges that a serious error in judgement was made in relation to Black Cats Bar" following intense criticism from supporters on social media.

"I regret to have let you down," said Louis-Dreyfus to the press [via BBC]. "I would like to apologise to everyone associated with Sunderland AFC for the events that have unfolded today. Like our supporters I was disgusted and hurt by the pictures circulating online of the inappropriate signs that have now been ripped down. I take full responsibility for every decision that is taken by the employees of our club and you have my word that I will personally make sure that we make the necessary changes required to improve because it is clear there are many areas where we need to be better."

Amid the outrage and ahead of a bitterly contested derby-day FA Cup clash, Sunderland boss Michael Beale has stirred the pot further. The recent managerial acquisition has maintained that Sunderland and the Magpies are equally significant clubs, aside from Newcastle's infusion of Saudi money

Beale told reporters [via The Mirror]: “Massive underdogs? Never in a derby, and certainly when you look at the past the way the results have gone, and it is 11 versus 11. There is no difference in terms of status, support, size and pool of the club. That is very similar, that is on a par with each other.‌ The only difference between the two clubs is financially right now.”‌‌

Sunderland and Newcastle will clash in the Tyne-Wear Derby at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, January 7 in what is the first clash between the two rivals in over eight years. The winners will go on to the FA Cup fourth round.