When Sunderland saw drama on and off the pitch during the FA Cup of 1964

100,000 people in and around the stadium
By Chris Cordner
Published 1st Jan 2024, 03:27 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The countdown is on to Sunderland's FA Cup third round tie with closest neighbours Newcastle.

It promises to be a historic encounter and we have seen plenty of those over the years.

A night of drama

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One of Sunderland's most famous FA Cup nights at Roker Park came 60 years ago.

The aftermath of the night with damage in the streets around Roker Park.The aftermath of the night with damage in the streets around Roker Park.
The aftermath of the night with damage in the streets around Roker Park.

The Black Cats had already held Manchester United to a draw at Old Trafford in the 6th round - after leading 3-1 with four minutes to go.

The Sixth Round replay was held in March 1964 and it was estimated that 100,000 people headed to the ground.

Fans grabbed any vantage point they could, including on top of a van outside the ground.Fans grabbed any vantage point they could, including on top of a van outside the ground.
Fans grabbed any vantage point they could, including on top of a van outside the ground.

Sunderland were flying high as leaders of the old Second Division. They had famous names such as Jim Montgomery, Charlie Hurley and George Herd.

Law, Best and Charlton against the Black Cats

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United had Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best in their side.

It was believed that as many as 10,000 fans got in after the gates were locked.

A scene from the night of Sunderland's FA Cup 6th round tie with Manchester United in 1964.A scene from the night of Sunderland's FA Cup 6th round tie with Manchester United in 1964.
A scene from the night of Sunderland's FA Cup 6th round tie with Manchester United in 1964.

As to the match, it ended 2-2 after Manchester's Ashington-born Bobby Charlton scored a late – and according to some reporters – undeserved equaliser.

The tie went to a second replay in Huddersfield which United won 5-1.

If you were there, get in touch and tell us more by emailing [email protected]

Related topics:Manchester UnitedFA CupSunderlandPeopleNostalgia

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.