There might be a lot Newcastle and Sunderland fans don't agree on but a new study has revealed a touching similarity.
North East football fans are among the most charitable in the country, with around two thirds of both fan bases donating to good causes in the past year.
Research from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) looked at how active football fans are at supporting charities.
With food bank donations becoming a common part of the matchday experience for some Newcastle fans and Sunderland rallying to support Bradley Lowery, both clubs shone in the survey.
Toon fans narrowly edged out their neighbours to the south with 63% donating money to charity in the last year, up on the Mackems at 61%.
It also showed 57% of fans gave goods to charity in the previous 12 months – such as by donating items to a charity shop – along with 50% of Sunderland supporters.
But no one can accuse the Mackems of not turning up on the day – 20% of Sunderland fans volunteered for a charity during the previous year, compared to 16% of Newcastle fans.
Susan Pinkney, head of research at the Charities Aid Foundation, comments: "Newcastle and Sunderland fans can both hold their heads high. This derby is all about winners.
"They may give in different ways, but what shines through is that football supporters are generous and highly engaged with their communities and causes close to their hearts.”
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Se the full results of the survey - which was conducted by YouGov - below.
Newcastle | Sunderland | |
Donated money to charity | 63% | 61% |
Volunteered for a charity | 16% | 20% |
Bought an ethical product | 22% | 27% |
Given goods to charity | 57% | 50% |
Sponsored someone for a charity | 43% | 40% |
Taken part in a public demonstration or protest | 6% | 9% |
Signed a petition | 50% | 44% |
Taken part in a consultation in your local area | 16% | 15% |
None of the above | 11% | 15% |
