'They have come together' - BBC pundits praise Sunderland fans in exchange Black Cats supporters will love

Sunderland supporters have been praised by pundits.
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Sunderland take on Tranmere Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy final on Sunday, with the club looking to end a Wembley hoodoo that dates back to 1973.

But fans won’t be able to attend as Coronavirus restrictions continue to be enforced around the United Kingdom.

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That, however, hasn’t stopped Black Cats supporters from coming together for a good cause ahead of the final.

Former West Ham striker turned BBC pundit Carlton Cole.Former West Ham striker turned BBC pundit Carlton Cole.
Former West Ham striker turned BBC pundit Carlton Cole.

Fans have raised over £150,000 for four local charities – after selling commemorative tickets for their Papa John’s Trophy Final at Wembley.

And that mammoth effort didn’t go unnoticed on Saturday’s Football Focus on the BBC.

Speaking about Sunderland’s 48-year Wembley losing streak, Carton Cole stated: “It is definitely going to be in the back of your mind as a footballer and as the person who is actually managing the club.

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“He [Lee Johnson] is going to want to break that hoodoo but I think it might work out for him that there is no fans there because now it is just another pitch.

“It’s never like that but I’m just trying to make it look good for them, I’m trying to help them out here."

Dan Walker then replied: “You’re talking them up!”

“You said about the fans not being there,” Alex Scott, replying to Cole and Walker said. “Which is gutting for them.

“But how nice that they have come together to raise money online virtually for the food banks in the local area.

“So yes, it is gutting, but they’ve still come together in a positive way!”

Walker responded: “They’ve done nearly £150,000, the fans buying those virtual tickets!”