Wearsider bemoaned the advantages that merchants in Royalist Newcastle had over their Wearside counterparts. That led to Sunderland becoming a Parliamentarian stronghold.
Sunderland and Newcastle again found themselves on opposite sides during the Jacobite risings, with Newcastle in support of the Hanoverians with the German King George. Sunderland siding with the Scottish Stuarts.
The first meeting of the two football sides took place in 1883 in the FA Cup back in 1888 which Sunderland won 2-0 over Newcastle East End before the emergence of Newcastle United.
Since then, Newcastle United and Sunderland have both won on 53 occasions with the pair sharing 50 draws. But which players have played for both clubs? Here, we take a look at some of the most notable names to have played for both sides:
5. Louis Saha
The Frenchman played for Newcastle United on loan in 1999 and then signed for Sunderland in 2012 for a season. Photo: Alex Livesey
6. Titus Bramble
Bramble played for five seasons at Newcastle United and then three seasons with Sunderland. Bramble was sent off during the Magpies' 5-1 win over the Black Cats at St James' Park. Photo: GRAHAM STUART
7. Len Shackleton
The "Clown Prince of Soccer", who played for both Newcastle United and Sunderland, is generally regarded as one of English football's finest ever entertainers. Of Newcastle United, Shackleton famously said after departing for Sunderland: "I've no bias against Newcastle – I don't care who beats them!" Photo: Monte Fresco Jnr.
8. Paul Bracewell
Paul Bracewell enjoyed three stints at Sunderland and one at Newcastle United. Photo: Anton Want