Losing to a team who currently sit 21st in English Football League Two is probably a new low point for Sunderland. But the loss to Scunthorpe United wasn’t just a loss. The 3-0 massacre highlighted just how far Sunderland have fallen since being in the Premier League just a handful of seasons ago.
Being out of the cup will inevitably be welcomed by some fans, but the manner in how they exited the cup will leave a sour taste in supporters’ mouths. When Luke O’Nien gave away a penalty and received a red card in the 65th minute, it was the beginning of the end for Sunderland. Scunthorpe went on to convert the penalty before scoring their second and third goal in the dying embers of the game.
Despite this, fans are showing resilience. When one supporter suggested they were considering giving up on the team, the rest of the fanbase provided them with words of encouragement and support. They aren’t giving up on their team. Not now. Not ever.
Never never never.
— WACCA147 (@Wacca1970) November 12, 2019
Nah, you can’t do that. It’s a life sentence 🙂
— Des Johnston (@desjohnston) November 12, 2019
Never. We’ll keep the red flag flying high. Flying high, up in the sky.
— Pietro Elliottini (@Fulwellendbogs) November 12, 2019
It’s absolutely soul destroying following #SAFC …..but we’ll be there next game
— Pete Crompton (@PeteCrompton2) November 12, 2019
https://t.co/EGCFNpCHo5 pic.twitter.com/bcrbhyiWFK
— Jake Collinson (@SAFCJC91) November 12, 2019
Some fans shared a similar sentiment that they were close to the edge as well, but said they would never be willing to give up on their club. Although one fan pleaded with others to let him know if they ever found a way of moving on. Sadly for him, a football team isn’t like finding a partner. You’re born with it, and you die with it.
Never. Unfortunately
— Andy Stobbart (@anorthernbullet) November 12, 2019
Never. Although tempting.
— KevNovin (@Shawsy49) November 13, 2019
When you find out can you let me know thanks
— Ashley Jones (@Joner07) November 12, 2019
Veteran supporters offered their words of encouragement. They’ve seen it all at Sunderland Football Club, yet they keep coming back. They always will.
There’s worse to come petal! you’re still young & I’ve seen it all before but you can’t give up, it’s in your genes xx
— BRI-SAFC (@safcking) November 13, 2019
I have seen all theups and downs in the last 60 odd years following Sunderland and am still a season ticket holder. Hope this helps.
— dave redman (@straydog73) November 13, 2019
NEVER! No matter how hard it gets. Been going for 60+years, can’t/won’t change now.
— Edith Storey (@EdithStorey3) November 13, 2019
What do we think?
The resilience of these Sunderland fans is heroic. While their club suffers a new all-time low, they pull together. Despite falling from the graces of the Premier League, the Black Cats will always be supported. That much is clear. Hopefully, the fans’ loyalty is rewarded with promotion at the end of the season.