Tyne-Wear Derby: A History of Rivalry:
The historic Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle and Sunderland is set to make a long-awaited return after its hiatus since 2016.
This clash holds immense historical tension, originating from the establishment of Tyne and Wear in 1974, a county facing controversy due to the unwillingness of its two cities to intertwine owing to deep-seated mutual loathing.
Historical Roots and Football Rivalry:
The bitter economic divide between the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, rooted in Newcastle’s coal trade monopoly, escalated during the English Civil War when the cities took opposing sides.
The football pitch became a battleground, mirroring their historical animosity.
Turbulent Encounters:
From the infamous Good Friday riot in 1901, where insufficient policing led to chaos among 70,000 fans, to violent clashes in the late 1960s escalating to stabbings, riots, and house window breakages, the Tyne-Wear derby has been riddled with incidents of violence and tension.
Notorious Incidents and Record Arrests:
The derby witnessed further dark episodes like the planned pre-match fight between rival groups, resulting in numerous arrests and convictions for conspiracy to commit violence.
Instances of fans invading the pitch and targeting players marked the peak of football-related violence, drawing widespread condemnation.
Police Measures and Controversies:
Efforts to mitigate violence included restrictive “bubble trips,” giant metal walls outside grounds, and relocating away fans within the stadium, termed as Operation Jerrettspass.
However, these measures faced opposition and were eventually scrapped, leading to clashes even outside the grounds.
Current Preparations and Tensions:
In anticipation of the upcoming derby, authorities have taken drastic steps, banning traveling Newcastle supporters via public transport.
Despite an eight-year hiatus with relatively incident-free matches, the derby’s intensity and potential for conflict remain high.
This detailed history serves as a stark reminder of the intense historical rivalry and tensions set to resurface in the highly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby.