A photo circulating on social media of Sunderland fans enjoying a curry on the train back to Wearside from London on Sunday evening has caused quite a stir.
The Black Cats drew 1-1 with Thomas Frank‘s side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon, earning another well-deserved point in what has been a remarkable season for the newly promoted club.
Regis Le Bris’ team currently sit eighth in the Premier League and look all but certain to secure top-flight survival next season – and Sunderland supporters are clearly savouring every moment.
The now-viral image shows a group of fans dining on a full curry spread during the four-hour journey back north. Their table is laden with rice, papadums, and a selection of bottles and cans of alcohol.
One supporter can be seen tucking into his meal, while another appears to be partially hidden behind his phone, seemingly taking a picture, as the train makes its way back to the North East.
The image was shared by X account Football Away Days, who captioned it: ‘Sunderland fans with a curry on the train home after another great result today. Happy days!’
However, not everyone shared their enthusiasm, with some taking to the comments to voice their concern for the supporters’ fellow passengers.
One user commented: ‘Can’t be eating curry with all those fruit ciders and smirnoff mixer. Cold beers minimum ideally large bottles – and that’s before we even discuss the grim eating quarters.’
Another added: ‘Why are people so inconsiderate? Not a single thought for the other passengers on the train having to smell that for hours.’
Away from divisive curry-related matters, Sunday’s match was Sunderland’s fourth consecutive stalemate in the Premier League.
Such are the standards that they have set this season, Le Bris’ side were alarmingly lacklustre in the first half, and fell behind to Ben Davies’ opener in the 30th minute.
But the visitors grew into the game after the break and showed resilience with their pared-back squad amid six players still away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
As their threat grew, Simon Adingra curled an effort just wide and Enzo Le Fee hit the woodwork, before Brian Brobbey escaped the Spurs defence with a burst of acceleration and came up with an explosive finish in the 80th minute.
Sunderland fans have been enjoying life back in the top-flight this season, with their side eighth in the standings – although they have drawn their last four consecutive league games
Brian Brobbey’s 80th minute equaliser earned Sunderland a crucial point at Tottenham
Sunderland are now on 30 points after 20 games, and are 14 clear of the drop zone.
Le Bris added after the game: ‘It shows the consistency of the project and the quality of the squad. The teamwork in this club is impressive. So, it’s really positive at that point to have these 30 points. We need 10 more, probably, so it’s time to move on and to ride the wave.’
Despite Sunderland’s strong league position, Le Bris was keen to stress that survival is not yet secured and that focus remains on consistency rather than celebration.
‘Not yet, not yet,’ he said. ‘I would like, but not yet. I think it’s important to stay consistent, and we want to set this first limit. And after that, we’ll see if we can change something else.’
