A group of Sunderland fans were given an early Christmas present on Saturday when the club’s principal sponsor Dafabet gifted them an executive box for the day.
Paul Dobson, Marshall Ritchie, John Tempest and William Dolan were rewarded for their loyalty having attended matches home and away for many years, including every game for the past few season.
Catered for by our Head Chef, the quartet brought along their family and friends and were treated to a pre-match meal before watching the action unfold in their own private balcony.
And the day didn’t disappoint as Josh Maja marked his league debut for the club with the game’s only goal as Sunderland defeated Fulham to secure a precious three points.
Speaking to safc.com, Dobson thanked Dafabet for the opportunity to experience a matchday at the Stadium of Light in a unique way.
“It is a little bit different to the usual matchday,” he said.
“Rather than going to the pub beforehand we came into the ground earlier and saw the Salvation Army play some Christmas carols.
“We don’t do it to get things back but it is nice when the club recognises people.
“It was nice when Chris Waters (Supporter Liaison Officer) rang me up and said I had so many Black Cats points and offered me the chance to come in a box for the game.
“I know Peter, John and his missus, I go to the away games with John but it is nice to get in a room with supporters.
“All the years you go to away games it is nice to meet someone you haven’t seen before who also goes to all the away games,” he continued.
“How has that happened? I’ve been to 2000 odd games and I’ve never met some of these people before but it is great to get to know them and spend a matchday with them.”