Sunderland AFC will continue its long-standing tradition of observing a period of silence at the last home game of the calendar year this weekend, in memory of loyal supporters and former players who have passed away.
The period of silence will take place just prior to kick-off as the Black Cats welcome Birmingham City to the Stadium of Light on Saturday 23 December. The club invites both Sunderland and Birmingham City to remember supporters who have died and pay tribute to those former Black Cats stars who passed away in 2017.
This year the club sadly lost former players Thomas Fairley (1950s goalkeeper), Cameron Duncan (1980s goalkeeper) and Alan Carter (1950s reserve player), as well as support staff Ron Linney (1970s club secretary), Brian Buddle (2000s Education & Welfare Officer) and six year old SAFC supporter Bradley Lowery.
The club kindly asks supporters to take their seats early to ensure that the silence is observed in the appropriate manner.