The pennant hangs in the Palacio Ibaigane, the palace that serves as the headquarters of Bilbao’s Athletic Club, where contracts were once signed. This is the office where Howard Kendall once entertained and entertained dignitaries.
The pennant commemorates the strange bond between the Basque club and Newcastle United. This friendship was formed 30 years ago and will be rekindled at Champions League level for the first time when the two teams meet this week.
It all started in 1994. The story goes that an Athletics club supporter missed his transport back to Bilbao and became stuck in Newcastle following a UEFA Cup tie. “This is a story that gets told,” says Adam Stoker. sky sports.
“They were set up by a family here and the story of the hospitality of our supporters was brought back to Bilbao. That is why there was so much warmth on the leg home.” And so began one of the more random but inspiring club connections in European football.
Back in Bilbao for the second leg, Athletic beat Newcastle with the odd goal of adding an away goal, with home supporters breaking into the pitch and running towards the moving fans as the final whistle blew. Not to fight them, but to applaud them.
The story still resonates for Stoker of Wor Flags, the fans group responsible for the colorful banner at St James’ Park. “People I know have said it’s unlike any football game they’ve been to before,” he says.
“They said it was the best experience they ever had. People bought them drinks without spending a penny. The locals were so welcoming. I loved seeing people on the streets, no tribalism, just different cultures coming together.”
“It’s pretty rare in football to have that kind of relationship with the opposition. Athletic was a game we were excited about (when the draw was made) because of our shared history. The only disappointment is that we can’t travel there.”
The first match Stoker attended was Rob Lee’s warm-up match in 2001, and from 1994 that connection led to Athletic being selected as the opposition. The bond was further cemented when the two clubs met again in a pre-season friendly in 2022.
Athletic presented Newcastle with a flag symbolizing friendship. “Their captain, Iker Muniain, presented me with a flag on the pitch,” Stoker recalls. “It’s up there at St James’s Stadium every game. It’s right next to the halfway line so you can always see it on TV.”
Julen Izagirre Garnika collaborated with Stoker to make this happen. The pair were first linked when Stoker wrote about the club’s high-profile overseas fans, and few fans are more passionate than Izagirre. The Bilbao native fell in love with the Magpies 18 years ago.
“It all started with one player, Alan Smith,” he says. sky sports. “He represented the values I loved. He was talented, but most importantly, he was always a fighter. I loved the players, the strip, the badge, the beautiful stadium, and the culture.”
Since then he has visited St James’ Park seven times, often traveling alone from Bilbao. “I even played away to Watford.” He was also too young to attend the legendary 1994 UEFA Cup match, but was told the story from Bilbao’s perspective.
“People in Bilbao still talk about that day and older people tell us how special it was. The best part was that the fans were so great.” Not that Izagirre was surprised. Our supporters share our passion. “It is a religion there and it is a religion in Bilbao.”
Exercise remains his first love. “My grandfather is Athletic’s oldest season ticket holder. We are very proud of him. I think Athletic is the most special club in the world, unique in modern football. I think every true football fan has a soft spot for Athletic.”
This is the club’s famous quarry This means that only players with ties to the Basque Country will be selected. Perhaps it will resonate particularly with Newcastle supporters. “I think the two regions are quite similar,” Izagirre agrees.
“I was born and raised in Bilbao and 99% of the population supports Athletic. Unfortunately, in other cities local teams lose supporters to famous teams. That doesn’t happen in Bilbao, because this is a unique club with a special bond.”
Newcastle is also a one-club city. “Bilbao and Newcastle are countries with a sense of pride and belonging. The Basques and the Jordins are very similar. We are brothers from different countries. No other club in the world has the same passion as us.”
Of course, Stoker agrees. “There is definitely an intersection in terms of passion and strong regional identity.” The plan is to celebrate the shared principles ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match between the clubs.
The flag to be presented to Athletic is being prepared. “This is a favor we hope to return this week. It just symbolizes the connection between the two groups of supporters. It started 30 years ago, but that warmth is still there,” says Stoker.
