The excitement is building as Sunderland prepare to face Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final this Saturday at Wembley.

The Black Cats’ supporters took their celebrations to the heart of London, gathering in Trafalgar Square — a popular spot for fans to rally before big matches.

Party Turns Messy as Rubbish is Left Behind in Trafalgar Square

What was meant to be a festive pre-game gathering quickly drew criticism after footage surfaced online showing litter scattered across the iconic square.

Bottles, cans, plastic bags, and other rubbish were left behind, sparking backlash from locals and rival fans alike.

One Newcastle supporter tweeted about the scene, calling it “disgraceful” that Sunderland fans treated Trafalgar Square like their own personal party zone.

Fans Step Up to Help Clean Up but Police Step In

Interestingly, some Sunderland fans tried to make amends by offering to help clear the mess once the police began dispersing the crowd around midnight.

Michael Graham, a journalist and Sunderland supporter, shared on social media that despite their willingness, the police asked the fans to step back because official clean-up crews were already en route.

It showed a responsible side to the fans, even amid the criticism.

Sunderland’s Journey Back to the Championship Spotlight

The Sunderland team itself has had quite a rollercoaster ride in recent years.

After being relegated from the Premier League in 2017, the club faced an even bigger setback by dropping to League One the next season.

But they have since bounced back, earning promotion to the Championship in 2022.

This season, they finished fourth, securing a spot in the play-offs and now aiming to climb back to the Premier League.

What’s at Stake in the Championship Play-Off Final

The match against Sheffield United won’t be easy.

Regis Le Bris and his side know the challenge they face, but the players and fans alike are hopeful that Sunderland can clinch the victory that would return the club to top-flight football for the first time since 2017.

With so much on the line, both the excitement and tension are palpable in the lead-up to this crucial game.