Sunderland have announced a pre-season friendly against near-neighbours South Shields and it's caused quite a stir on social media.

The Black Cats will travel the short distance to Mariners Park on July 11th to give their non-league rivals a big payday, but the game has significance for a couple of reasons.

When Sunderland were struggling to find form last season, a number of their 'supporters' allegedly defected to South Shields to watch the Mariners instead. That's prompted some to question who those fans will be cheering for come the early July fixture.

Other fans have suggested that instead of the successful South Shields side, Sunderland should be looking to host Gateshead at the Stadium of Light. They're a side in dire trouble, expelled from the National League and the National league North and now facing the prospect of starting again as a phoenix club.

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Some supporters seem to favour a match with them that does some good, rather than the trip to South Shields. Here are the best of the responses from Twitter from underwhelmed fans.