The recent actions of Newcastle United supporters in Japan will irritate Sunderland supporters.
The Saitama Stadium is filled with Newcastle United supporters before of their friendly match against Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday.
This is the first of two friendlies that Japan is hosting this week. On Saturday, the second friendly match will take place at Tokyo’s Japan National Stadium against the Yokohama F. Marinos, with a kickoff time of 11 a.m. BST and 7 p.m. local time. At Saitama Stadium, which can hold 63,700 spectators, the Magpies will have strong support from fans in Japan and around the globe.
In the away end of the field, banners and flags have usually already been displayed, with one in particular drawing attention. A sign that asked, “Have you ever seen a Mackem in Japan?” was unveiled.
The banner is a lighthearted take on the quip, “have you ever seen a Mackem in Milan?” that is meant to make fun of Sunderland, Newcastle’s bitter rivals, and their lack of European heritage. In the previous season’s Champions League, the Magpies went to AC Milan and drew 0-0 at the San Siro.
Even though Newcastle’s preseason tour to Japan is primarily commercial, Eddie Howe’s team will face two clubs in the middle of the heat and humidity, which should make for an interesting test.
