Newcastle vs Athletic Club: Exploring the Connection That Unites Magpies Fans in Red and White

A Unique Experience at St James’ Park

While Julen Izagirre is set to proudly represent Athletic Club in their upcoming match against Newcastle United, he plans to also wear a Newcastle United scarf. The Basque fan, overwhelmed by loyalty to both clubs, admitted,

It’s a puzzling situation for me.

This will be his first time sitting with the away fans after enjoying the home atmosphere during previous visits.

My emotions for both teams are so profound that it’s likely I will experience more pain than pleasure,

he shared, not wanting either team to face defeat.

His affection for Newcastle traces back to a pivotal 1994 UEFA Cup match, an encounter that sparked a special connection between the clubs and their fans, which continues to resonate today. Although Izagirre was only six years old when his father, Mikel, attended the match at San Mames Stadium, he recalls the electric atmosphere vividly. Following a 1-0 victory for Athletic, the home fans invaded the pitch to applaud Newcastle supporters, leaving a lasting impression.

Gontzal Suances, a forward who participated in that memorable match, reflected on the beauty of the bond formed with Newcastle.

It’s a joy to have my dream of playing for Athletic interconnected with a story as rich as this one with Newcastle,

said Suances.

“They Wouldn’t Let You Spend Anything”

The fondness is mutual. Although Newcastle lost on away goals, fan Tony Waters cherishes his trip for the warm reception from locals.

I’m not exaggerating, I returned with as much money as I brought,

he recounted.

They were so gracious, rolling out the red carpet for us. No one would let you buy a drink.

The camaraderie started weeks earlier when Newcastle fans provided a hearty welcome to their Spanish visitors. Suances noted how well the fans mingled, resulting in a repayment of kindness from Athletic supporters later. Both groups share a deep sense of local identity, and the passion for football is equally strong.

Bilbao feels “very British”, as pointed out by Mikel Izagirre, who noted,

You can see this throughout the architecture and when attending an Athletic game.

The British influence in the city dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when miners and engineers settled in Bilbao, bringing with them the beloved sport.

Interestingly, the club chose the name “Athletic” due to its English origins, marking its roots in this cultural exchange.

“It Was As If They Wanted to Adopt a Geordie”

This memorable game represented Newcastle’s return to European football after a long absence following a ban imposed due to the Heysel Stadium tragedy. During the match, a substantial police presence was noted, yet the atmosphere remained friendly. Supporter Karl Pedley fondly recalled how police officers relaxed and enjoyed the Newcastle fans.

Even after Newcastle’s defeat, Athletic fans rushed onto the pitch, applauding away supporters, which prompted chants of “Athletic! Athletic! Athletic!” from Newcastle fans in return.

When taken away from the stadium, Pedley described how Athletic fans welcomed them, eager to shake hands and share drinks.

It was like they wanted to adopt a Geordie,

he exclaimed.

Every Newcastle supporter received food and drinks that night. They were incredibly grateful we were there to enjoy their city.

The exchange of chants continued, with Newcastle fans teaching their Athletic counterparts some of their popular songs. In an unprecedented move, many Newcastle supporters donned Athletic’s red and white colors, the very shades of their local rivals, Sunderland.

Philip Long, a Newcastle fan, holds onto an Athletic shirt from that unforgettable trip with pride.

It’s still in my wardrobe along with a couple of hundred Newcastle shirts,

he said emphatically.

I’ll never part with it.