SUNDERLAND took on Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon at the Stadium of Light.
The Premier League encounter was the first between the two in the top flight for several years and with Newcastle having been relegated to the Championship it is now the closest match between two North-East professional football teams.
However, the debate is raging over whether the game should be classed as a 'derby' fixture.
Sunderland and Middlesbrough are just shy of 30 miles from each other along the North-East coast, while the Black Cats' traditional rivals, Newcastle, are a mere 15 miles away.
So what do you think?
Are Sunderland and Middlesbrough derby rivals or is this just another game in the England's top division?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel