But that didn’t stop Black Cats supporters turning out in their thousands across the streets of the city to welcome their heroes back to Sunderland!
Here, we’ve delved into the Echo archives to bring you the best photos of Sunderland fans from that day in 1992 – simply scroll down and click through the pages to take a look.
5. Sunderland sea front
Were you among the crowd that day? Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Are you the people in this picture from 1992?
Get in touch if it's you! Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Taken on Sunderland's sea front
What are your memories from 1992? Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Passing St Mary's Church in Bridge Street
The team - including Sunderland legend Kevin Ball - or on top of the bus. Photo: Sunderland Echo