New Sunderland in Europe mural unveiled before first Europa match | OneFootball

An 11-metre-high mural celebrating Sunderland AFC’s journey from League One to the Europa League has been finished ahead of the club’s first European campaign in more than half a century. Completed behind Victoria’s Loft on Low Row, it was commissioned by TNT Sports.

According to Sunderland Echo, the piece features Enzo Le Fee kissing the ball before his corner led to Dan Ballard’s play-off semi-final winner against Coventry City. It also captures Luke O’Nien’s disbelief after qualification was sealed with victory over Chelsea on the final day of last season.

From the same game, captain Granit Xhaka and his “this is just the beginning” address are depicted, alongside Regis Le Bris, Chris Rigg and Brian Brobbey after his injury-time equaliser against Arsenal. The Europa League trophy crowns the design.

Artist Kathryn Robertson said it represents the dream that the club could one day lift the trophy, adding that you never know. TNT Sports wanted a local voice to shape the work from a fan’s perspective, and Silksworth-born Kathryn was quick to accept.

Its completion comes before Sunderland’s Saturday night meeting with Arsenal at the Stadium of Light, then their first home European fixture against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday 16 September. Both matches, and all of the club’s Europa League games, will be shown live on TNT Sports.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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