The Unique Bond That United Newcastle and Athletic Bilbao Fans: How Red and White Became a Symbol of Friendship

Introduction: The Historic Night That Changed Everything

When you think of fierce football loyalties, images of fans draped in their team’s traditional colors—black and white for Newcastle, red and white for Athletic Club—may spring to mind. But in November 1994, a unique scene unfolded during the UEFA Cup. For the first and perhaps only time, Newcastle and Athletic Bilbao fans forged a remarkable friendship that remains legendary nearly three decades later. It’s a story of shared passion, mutual respect, and how, for one night, sporting rivalry gave way to unity and warmth.

In this detailed look at the events, emotions, and legacy of that night, we explore how Newcastle and Athletic Bilbao fans broke barriers and why the shared experience still resonates across the football world.

The Origins: Newcastle’s European Return

Long before the magic of that 1994 night, Newcastle United had a rich but often turbulent relationship with European football. The 1994-95 UEFA Cup marked Newcastle’s first continental campaign since 1977, and the first after the infamous Heysel Stadium disaster ban on English clubs was lifted in 1990 (source).

The anticipation of returning to the European stage was palpable among the Geordies. Their contest against Athletic Club Bilbao, a side with a proud Basque heritage and an equally passionate fanbase, set the stage for a memorable encounter.

The 1994 UEFA Cup Clash

The tie itself was finely poised. Newcastle United faced off against Athletic Bilbao in a two-legged second-round UEFA Cup contest. What unfolded wasn’t just a fiercely competitive sporting event but the genesis of a genuinely unique fan friendship.

First Leg: St James’ Park

In the first leg at St James’ Park, Gontzal Suances opened the scoring for Athletic, giving the Basques a crucial away goal. This set the tone for the return fixture in Bilbao, where the aggregate score would ultimately decide the victor.

Second Leg: San Mames

San Mames, often called the “Cathedral of Football,” provided a pulsating backdrop for the return. The atmosphere was intense but charged with a sense of expectancy, not just about the match but about the cultural exchange that was about to happen.

Athletic edged the game 1-0 thanks to a goal by Jose Angel Ziganda, clinching the tie on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw. The result meant Athletic Club advanced, but the real story was just beginning.

The Warm Welcome in Tyneside

The seeds of camaraderie had already been sown in Newcastle two weeks prior. Basque visitors were surprised and delighted by the warmth shown by Geordie hosts—a welcome that would soon be reciprocated.

According to Gontzal Suances, the bond “formed very well there,” setting up the events that would later unfold in Bilbao. This openness turned out to be a critical factor in what made the eventual celebration in the Basque Country so special.

“They wouldn’t let you spend anything! I came back with as much money in my pocket as I went with. They were so kind and laid the red carpet out for us. They wouldn’t let you buy a drink.” —Tony Waters, Newcastle fan

Such gestures are rare in the high-stakes world of European football, where hostilities on and off the pitch are more common than handshakes and shared toasts. Yet, for Newcastle and Athletic Bilbao fans, this behavior set a new standard.

A Night to Remember in Bilbao

The Build-up

Bilbao was buzzing on 1 November 1994. The football match took place in the presence of a notable police presence due to recent European histories and local festivals, but the real story was in the stands.

Fans from both sides mingled in bars and city squares, swapping stories and scarves—a precursor to the emotional scenes inside San Mames.

The Match and Aftermath

The Basques won 1-0, completing their aggregate progression. But what followed was unprecedented: after the final whistle, Athletic fans invaded the pitch… not to taunt, but to applaud the away supporters. They sprinted towards the Newcastle end, arms raised in appreciation. Newcastle fans responded with chants of “Athletic! Athletic! Athletic!”—a heartfelt thank you from one football tribe to another.

The Afterparty

As the police escorted Geordies out of the stadium, they witnessed an extraordinary sight. Far from confrontation, a mass of red and white shirts awaited—Bilbao fans seeking to shake hands, exchange stories, and invite their English guests to local bars.

Karl Pedley, a Newcastle supporter, recalls:

“It was as if they wanted to adopt a Geordie. I don’t think there was anyone in a Newcastle shirt who didn’t get fed and watered that night.”

The defining moment came as shirts and scarves were swapped—yes, black-and-white merged with red-and-white. For many Geordies, wearing the colors of historic rivals Sunderland would normally be unthinkable, yet that night, it was a badge of honor, a token of friendship.

The Basque-Geordie Connection

The Roots of Affinity

What united these two seemingly disparate fanbases? Both Newcastle and Athletic Bilbao fans are fiercely proud of their local identity. Newcastle, often seen as Britain’s northern outpost, and Bilbao, a bastion of Basque culture, share a love of football deeply interwoven with regional pride and a sense of togetherness.

Bilbao’s reputation as “a very British city,” as described by local fan Mikel Izagirre, is no accident. The city’s industrial roots and architectural echoes of Victorian England have fostered a hidden kinship with English visitors—and Newcastle in particular.

Cultural Commonalities

Both clubs are deeply tied to their communities.
Basque and Geordie dialects are integral to local culture.
Both regions have a tradition of resisting central authority—Bilbao against Madrid, Tyneside against London.
Their football grounds—San Mames and St James’ Park—are beloved city landmarks echoing with history.

Football as a Bridge: Stories From Both Sides

For the Locals: An Affair to Remember

Julen Izagirre, now a fan with equal love for both clubs, was only six years old at the time. His father was at San Mames that night:

“He was among those in attendance as Athletic fans invaded the pitch and applauded the away end following a 1-0 win… even left a lasting impression on those who played in the tie.”

Now an adult, Julen admits to confusion when these two teams meet—he supports both. The memory of friendliness and shared joy has led him to wear colors of both teams, symbolizing a bridge between cultures.

For the Travellers: A Journey of Discovery

For Geordie fans like Tony Waters and Philip Long, it was more than just a football journey—it was a lesson in hospitality and mutual appreciation.

Drinks and meals were offered freely.
Locals helped Newcastle supporters navigate the city, share local customs, and find the best spots to celebrate (or commiserate).
Friendships were formed that, incredibly, have lasted into the present day.

Players’ Perspectives

Even players such as Gontzal Suances cherish their small part in footballing history, describing it as “a joy” to be involved in “a story as beautiful as the one forged with Newcastle.” His contribution on the pitch now takes a backseat to the narrative of connection off it.

Red, White, and Black: Exchanging Colors, Building Memories

Many Newcastle fans left Bilbao with more than happy memories—they returned home with rare souvenirs. Scarves, shirts, and trinkets adorned in the red and white of Athletic Club joined thousands of black-and-white mementos in wardrobes across Tyneside.