An update has been provided on a decision made ahead of Newcastle United’s FA Cup clash at Sunderland earlier this season.
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has provided an update on an internal probe into a controversial decision made by the Black Cats before to their FA Cup third round match against Newcastle United.
The two North East rivals were drawn together in the FA Cup third round in January, meeting for the first time in the cup since 1956 and in any competition since a 1-1 Premier League stalemate at St James Park in 2016.
The Magpies won the contest with an Alexander Isak brace and an own goal from Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, advancing them to the fourth round and giving them their first derby win since 2011.
However, the week preceding the Stadium of Light match was overshadowed by a decision to renovate the Black Cats Bar in black and white and to place various pro-Magpies banners throughout the venue. That decision sparked outrage among Sunderland fans, and the bar was returned to its normal state just hours before the game.
At the time, Louis-Dreyfus apologized to supporters, and the Sunderland Echo has now claimed that the Black Cats owner has provided an update on the probe, which took place during a meeting with multiple supporter groups earlier this month.
Understand Newcastle were allowed access to Black Cats Bar by Sunderland to ‘cover & protect’ the #SAFC branding & artwork on the walls ahead of the derby. #NUFC fans will be housed in the hospitality bar (£600 a ticket) & #SAFC were worried about their property being damaged. pic.twitter.com/ObQGuifoNC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 5, 2024
The meeting minutes stated: “Following the completion of an internal inquiry undertaken by the Club’s Board of Directors, we discovered that a serious error of judgment was committed in regard to the Black Cats Bar.
“We now understand how this error of judgement occurred and have determined where culpability lies, proving that the action performed was reprehensible and, more crucially, preventable.
“Although employment legislation prohibits us from disclosing any information, all personnel engaged in the matter were interviewed, and following the end of a thorough internal investigation, the proper levels of action have been taken to conclude this process. At our most recent meeting with supporters’ groups, we pledged to prioritize fans in everything we do.
“That devotion is unshakeable, and as supporters, you will soon begin to see tangible results. We realize where we need to improve, including the constant need to develop our people and polish our procedures. In the next months, we are delighted to put that dedication into action and embrace it at all levels of our club.”
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