When a University of Sunderland Chaplain watched Newcastle United win at Wembley

Published on 20, March, 2025

Some Black Cats fans could well call it blasphemy…

A Sunderland chaplain wearing black and white and travelling to Wembley to watch the Magpies make history.

And last Sunday turned out to be a day of redemption for all NUFC fans, including Rebecca Leighton, Catholic Lay Chaplain at the University of Sunderland.

Despite her Wearside-based job, Rebecca has been a lifelong fan of the Newcastle United and all her prayers were answered when the team picked up the Carabao Cup on Sunday – and she was there to bear witness.

Rebecca said: “Even though there is a football rivalry, I must say I absolutely love my job at the University and in Sunderland. Any back and forth is always well-natured and just good banter really.

“For the locals, especially those who come to the parish where I work, we know we are all from the north-east. We are hardworking and are all very proud of where we come from so, I don’t think we are too dissimilar despite what football team we end up supporting.”

And Rebecca had a day to remember on Sunday.

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“It was my first time in Wembley Stadium, and I couldn’t believe the size of it,” she said. “The sea of black and white scarves looked amazing as they covered half of the ground and as usual the Geordies were in great voice.

“I think there was a mixture of excitement and nervousness from the fans. Everyone was so thrilled to just be there, regardless of whether we won or not.

“Practically everyone stood the whole game, and I was too nervous to sit down as I couldn’t relax at all.

“When the first goal went in, there was a feeling of relief and sheer joy for having scored our first goal at Wembley in 25 years. When the second goal went in from Isak, it was followed by a bit more calm.

“But it was when the referee blew the whistle after just over 100 minutes of play, the Newcastle end went crazy. I cried and hugged those I was there with. I thought of my dad who passed away eight years this coming April and how elated he would have been to see his team win something.

“It has been so long since this has last happened, we almost don’t know how to celebrate or if indeed it has really happened. All I know is that it means so much to the whole city who live and breathe Newcastle United.”