Sunderland extended their recent run to seven wins from nine matches on Saturday but putting aside their 1-0 victory over Oxford United, there was a bigger message to be shared.
That happened to come from their north-east rivals Middlesbrough who displayed solidarity for their former captain Grant Leadbitter when they unveiled a banner for the midfielder over the weekend.
The 34-year-old is currently taking compassionate leave due to personal reasons and despite Leadbitter no longer being a Boro player, there was still huge waves of support for him.
On their banner, it read: “Tough times don’t last. We’re with you Grant.”
It was a heartwarming and touching message, one which earned praise from Sunderland fans on Twitter as they cited just how respectful the act was.
It speaks volumes about just how adored Leadbitter was during his time in Middlesbrough. In his spell across the north-east, he played 244 times, scored 33 goals and assisted a further 37.
A noble competitor, the experienced centre-mid is a model professional and it was fantastic to see such a message being displayed.
One fan claimed it showed the better side of social media. So often we see wave after wave of criticism and hatred, but this gave us a moment to pause, reflect and think about someone who is currently going through a tough time.
It was nothing short of a classy gesture, something two further individuals were quick to notice as they praised the efforts of the Middlesbrough fans.
Leadbitter had been in an out of the Sunderland side this term before taking leave, playing 14 times in League One. However, Max Power and George Dobson have now established a successful connection in the middle of the park.
Obscure football facts: Most readers aren’t getting more than 40%…
That being said, there should always be a place for Leadbitter at the Stadium of Light considering the support he’s been given by not only his current club but also his former employers.
In other news, Sunderland may have suffered a HUGE BLOW in the race for promotion…