Derby victory photo was 'a bit planned', says Cats star Roefs

Robin Roefs has revealed that Sunderland's now-iconic post-match photograph in front of the Roker End on Sunday was not entirely off the cuff, admitting it had been referenced in the buildup and used as a source of motivation.

- by James Copley

The moment came after a tense Wear-Tyne derby victory at the Stadium of Light, a result settled by Nick Woltemade's second-half header. As the celebrations unfolded, Sunderland's players gathered in front of their most vocal supporters to pose for a team photo.

It was a pointed response to Newcastle's own habit of doing the same following significant wins. That included their FA Cup success in January 2024, when they beat then-Championship Sunderland 3-0 and posed in front of the North Stand and their away following.

A sense of needle had been building throughout the afternoon, not least when Woltemade was withdrawn in the second half and serenaded by supporters.