Athletic Club and Newcastle United struck their closest kinship in 1994. Since then, this bond has continued to flourish, showcasing realized shared values and mutual respect between the two with ardent support from both of their fiery fan bases. This fruitful relationship started under unexpected conditions. A more recent case came just a couple seasons ago, when a group of Athletic Club supporters were stranded in Newcastle after a UEFA Cup away tie. They now had no means of transportation back to Bilbao. Fortunately, Newcastle United fans responded with a wonderful sense of hospitality by welcoming them with drinks and friendship.
This small act of kindness sparked a friendship that has lasted between the two clubs to this day. Adam Stoker, our Bilbao local, became enamored with Newcastle United almost two decades ago. His journey with the club began in 2001 when he attended Rob Lee’s testimonial match, which marked his first experience at St James’ Park. Stoker’s growing connection with Newcastle United exemplifies the special bond that exists between the clubs’ supporters.
A sign of this connection is the pennant that hangs in Palacio Ibaigane, Athletic Club’s headquarters. Donated by a Newcastle family, this pennant is in recognition of the incredible hospitality they showed to fans of the Athletic Club who had an unplanned visit to their beautiful city. This beautiful gesture found its way back home to Bilbao. Importantly, it bolstered the peace treaty which had developed into a deep-rooted camaraderie between the two supporter groups.
Julen Izagirre Garnika, artist and communications strategist, worked intensively with Stoker. Together, they created a beautifully intimate atmosphere and built an unbreakable bond between Athletic Club and Newcastle United. He reflects on the significance of their shared identities, noting that “Bilbao and Newcastle are countries by themselves,” emphasizing the pride and belonging felt by fans from both cities. He continues to explore the parallels between Basques and Geordies, claiming, “We are a family separated by countries. No other club in the world, trust me, has the passion like we do.”
Stoker has been to St James’ Park seven times and maintains that the memories he made there were second-to-none. “The people I know who were there just say that you cannot compare it to any football game you have ever been to before,” he explained. This statement speaks to so many of us fans that value the memories they make every time they run into one.
Athletic Club’s philosophy of selecting players exclusively from the Basque region mirrors Newcastle United’s status as a one-club city. In Bilbao, an impressive 99% of the population supports Athletic Club, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between the club and its community.
Athletic Club and Newcastle United are poised to renew their friendship at Champions League level. It will be their first meeting in this historic tournament. As preparations for this significant match unfold, Stoker expressed his anticipation: “It is a favour we are looking to pay back this week. This is only to represent the different type of supporters that each group has. It began more than 30 years ago but that friendliness is very much alive.
“Izagirre looks back with nostalgia on the first meeting that led to the beginning of this partnership. “It all started with one player, Alan Smith,” he said. He paid tribute to how Smith was the kind of person he respected — you know, talent and grit. “He represented the values that I loved. He was talented but above all a warrior, always fighting,” Izagirre said.
That electric atmosphere during that first meeting really struck a chord with both fanbases. According to Izagirre, “People in Bilbao still tell stories about that day. The older ones tell me how special it was. That the fans got on so well was the cherry on top.” These professional and personal experiences alike produced indelible memories and deepened bonds that have only grown since.
Stoker’s fame led to a celebrated visit to Bilbao. Perhaps a high-point came when Iker Muniain, the skipper of Athletico Club, defiantly gifted him a flag on the playing field. “Their captain Iker Muniain presented the flag to me on the pitch,” he stated proudly. Indeed, today that same flag proudly waves at St James’ Park. It dangles above the halfway line for each match, ensuring that it is consistently captured on television.
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