Newcastle United have given supporters an early talking point ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, and it is one that many fans will not welcome.
As anticipation builds for the first Premier League meeting with Sunderland in almost a decade, attention has already shifted to what the Magpies will wear when they step onto the pitch at the Stadium of Light.
Traditionally, this fixture is all about clear contrasts. Red and white against black and white. Two cities, two clubs, and two identities colliding in one of English football’s most heated rivalries.
But this time, it looks like Newcastle may be ditching their famous stripes in favour of a changed strip, and that decision is already stirring debate among supporters.
The derby returns to the top flight after a long absence, and it carries extra weight because both teams find themselves close together in the league table. Sunderland are no longer simply the underdogs trying to survive.
They have made a strong start to life back in the Premier League and currently sit just one point above Newcastle. That alone adds another layer of tension to a rivalry that never really needs one.
The last time these two sides met, back in January of last year, Newcastle travelled to Wearside in the FA Cup and produced a commanding 3-0 win. That result reminded everyone of the gulf between the clubs at the time.
This time, however, the balance feels different. Sunderland are better prepared, sharper, and full of belief, while Newcastle arrive following a demanding run of fixtures, including a draining Champions League match in midweek.
What has really caught the eye, though, is Newcastle’s subtle hint on social media about their kit choice. In a pre-match graphic shared online, the club showed new signing Jacob Ramsey wearing the orange and blue third kit.
It was a small detail, but one that did not go unnoticed. For many fans, it strongly suggests that Eddie Howe’s side will not wear black and white on Sunday.
For traditionalists, that will feel wrong. The Tyne-Wear derby is about history, pride, and identity, and the black-and-white stripes are a huge part of Newcastle United’s story.
Seeing the team turn out in an alternative kit for such a massive game never sits comfortably with supporters who believe the club should always honour tradition on derby day.
That said, this would not be a new move. Newcastle have often worn changed kits at the Stadium of Light over the years. In fact, in their last four league visits there, they have worn an alternative strip on three occasions.
The only time they did not was back in October 2013, a match that ended in defeat after a late goal from Fabio Borini. Before that, the last time Newcastle wore their famous stripes on Wearside was in August 2011, when a Ryan Taylor free-kick sealed a narrow 1-0 victory. That result remains their last Premier League win over Sunderland.
For fans who believe in football superstitions, the possible kit choice adds another layer of anxiety. Newcastle’s third kit has not exactly been a lucky charm this season.
They have already suffered defeats while wearing it against Brentford and Marseille, and they could only manage a draw away at Leeds United. While kits do not decide matches, supporters will inevitably link poor results with unlucky colours, especially ahead of such a high-stakes derby.
Eddie Howe, however, will not be losing sleep over what his players are wearing. His focus is firmly on recovery, preparation, and mindset. Speaking ahead of the game, Howe made it clear that Newcastle understand exactly what this fixture means.
He spoke about the challenge of bouncing back quickly after European action and ensuring his players are physically and mentally ready to compete.
He described the Tyne-Wear derby as one of the most intense fixtures in football, pointing to the region’s deep obsession with the game. Howe stressed that the rivalry is respected inside the club and that his job is to make sure the players fully grasp the importance of the occasion.
According to him, there is no concern on that front. He is confident the squad will be ready to give everything once they cross the white line.
Howe also dismissed any suggestion that Newcastle might settle for a draw. He insisted that the team prepares to win every match, regardless of the opponent or the circumstances.
Despite the short turnaround and limited training time, he believes the squad can still make the necessary adjustments before kick-off.
He admitted there are areas where Newcastle need to improve, but he also made it clear that the players will arrive at the Stadium of Light ready to compete, fight, and perform.
Whether they do so in black and white or in orange and blue remains to be seen, but one thing is certain. On Sunday afternoon, tradition, pride, and bragging rights will be on the line, and whatever kit Newcastle wear, they will need to match Sunderland’s intensity if they are to come away with the result their fans crave.
