Sunderland opt out of FA Cup in fear of drawing Newcastle United again | OneFootball

Sunderland achieved their objective on Saturday afternoon.

The Mackems making sure there was no chance of having to face Newcastle United this season.

The fear was very real after the humiliation Sunderland suffered at home to Newcastle twelve months ago in the FA Cup, a match where the Mackems struggled to get out of their own half, never mind threaten the NUFC goal, as Eddie Howe’s side strolled to a very easy 3-0 away victory.

Sunderland exited the League Cup back in August (2024) to struggling Preston, in the first round, before Newcastle United even entered the competition.

Now today, the Mackems exited the FA Cup, once again before Newcastle United played in the competition.

Sunderland were at home to relegation fighting Stoke City, who are sixth bottom of the Championship.

The home side trailed after only four minutes, before Sunderland equalised on 64 minutes, Stoke then getting the winner in extra time.

Amusingly, Stoke City manager Mark Robins was asked after the away win, about the embarrassing number of empty seats at Sunderland 1 Stoke 2:

‘It’s obviously a competition that means a lot to you and you sound sad to see empty stands for a tie like this?’

“Absolutely.

“It’s really sad.

“Is it… The weather?

“The cost of things is really biting?

“It is a worry because it is the best cup competition in the world…”

Meanwhile, a sold out 52k+ St James’ Park welcomes League Two side Bromley to Tyneside on Sunday, as Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players look to replicate this season’s League Cup form in the FA Cup.

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports