Stunning new Sunderland AFC in Europe mural completed ahead of first Europa game

A giant 11 metre high mural celebrating Sunderland AFC’s rise from League One to the Europa league has been completed ahead of the Black Cats first foray into European competition in over half-a-century.

The colourful design, which is located at the back of Victoria’s Loft on Low Row, includes images of Enzo Le Fee kissing the ball before delivering the corner for Dan Ballard to score a memorable winner against Coventry City in the play off semi final.

Other images include the look of disbelief from Luke O’Nien after finding out the Black Cats had qualified for the Europa League following SAFC’s victory over Chelsea on the last day of last season.

Also included from the same game is captain Granit Xhaka and his “this is just the beginning” speech.

Regis Le Bris and Chris Rigg also appear in the mural as does Brian Brobbey after his injury time equaliser against Arsenal.

At the top of the mural, sits the Europa League trophy.

Artist and creator, Kathryn Robertson, said: “It represents the dream that hopefully we could maybe go on and lift the trophy - you just never know.”

The mural has been commissioned by broadcaster TNT sports to be completed ahead of the Black Cats Saturday night game against Arsenal at the Stadium of Light followed by their first home European fixture against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday September 16. Both games will be broadcast live on TNT Sports along with all of the club’s Europa League games.

The broadcaster were keen to commission a local artist to “create the mural from a fans perspective”, and Silksworth lass Kathryn was only to keen to take up the offer.

She said: “It means a lot to be asked to create a piece of art which encapsulates the journey the club has been on and I’m really proud of the design.

“It’s also in a really prominent part of the city and so it will hopefully be seen by people as they drive or walk through the city on their way to the match.

“I’m really proud of the design.”