A FOOTBALL-MAD dog who is a fan of the Black Cats has become an internet sensation.

Cocker spaniel Jarvis was caught on television cameras during Sunderland’s recent 3-2 win over QPR at Loftus Road and sparked a media frenzy to find out who he was.

Since his television appearance, hundreds have logged on to YouTube to see him celebrating along with owner Billy Longworth.

Mr Longworth travels the length of the country to watch his beloved team.

But he has had to miss certain games as dogs are not usually allowed into grounds.

Mr Longworth, a retired maintenance engineer from Shildon, County Durham, said: “For the QPR match, I had my train ticket and my match ticket bought, so I thought might as well go down with Jarvis and see if we could get in. I told the stewards there that I couldn’t leave him on his own.

“But the QPR people were brilliant. They told me stewards would keep an eye on him during the game – they understood I had come a long way.

“I told them I would leave if he started to play up, but he didn’t. There were loads of kids near me and they were all coming over to see Jarvis.”

Die-hard fan Mr Longworth also said that although he attends every home game, this past year he had to miss away matches because he feels he cannot leave Jarvis.

For home games at the Stadium of Light, he can be back with his dog in four hours.

He said: “I follow Sunderland all over, but this past year I’ve had to miss a few matches.

“I just can’t leave Jarvis on his own. I don’t like doing it. I love him to bits.

“I took him to a couple of places during the pre-season games at Kilmarnock and York and they let him in,” added Mr Longworth, 52, who is married to Pat, 62.

“My attitude is that if you approach people in the right manner, they will be okay with you.

“I’d take him to every game if I could do, but I know they have to stick by the rules.”