The pennant hangs in the Palacio Ibaigane, the luxurious building that serves as the headquarters of the Athletic Club in Bilbao, where contracts were once signed. It’s in the office where Howard Kendall once entertained dignitaries over drinks.
The pennant commemorates the strange bond between the Basque club and Newcastle United, a friendship forged more than 30 years ago and which will be rekindled at Champions League level for the first time this week’s meeting between the two teams.
It all started in 1994, when Athletic Club supporters missed their transport back to Bilbao and found themselves stranded in Newcastle after a draw in the UEFA Cup. “This is a story that will be told,” Stoker told Sky Sports.
“They were provided for by the family here and there was talk back to Bilbao about the hospitality from the supporters. That’s why there was such a warm feeling for the return match.” Thus began one of the more serendipitous but exciting links between the clubs in European football.
Athletic returned to Bilbao for the second leg, beating Newcastle on away goals with a bizarre goal, and at the final whistle the home supporters stormed onto the pitch and ran towards the traveling fans. Instead of fighting them, celebrate them.
For stalkers from War Flags, the fan group responsible for St James’s Park’s spectacular banners, the story remains close to home. “People I know who were there said it couldn’t compare to any football game they’ve ever seen,” he says.
“They said it was the best experience ever. People didn’t spend a penny and they bought drinks for them. The local hospitality was very warm. The sight of people gathering in the streets was amazing, no tribalism, just different cultures interacting.”
“It’s very rare in football to have this kind of relationship with the opposing team. The game against Athletic was a game we were excited about because we have a common history (when we end up with a draw). The only regret is that we won’t be able to travel there as well.”
The first game Stoker attended was at manager Rob Lee’s testimonial meeting in 2001, when Athletic were chosen as his opponents due to a connection dating back to 1994. The bond was further strengthened when the two clubs met again in a pre-season friendly in 2022.
Athletic presented Newcastle with a flag symbolizing their friendship. “Their captain, Iker Muniain, presented me with a flag on the pitch,” Stoker recalled. “It’s on display at St James’s every game. It’s right by the halfway line so you can always see it on TV.”
Julen Izaguirre Garnica worked with Stoker to make it happen. The two first connected when Stoker was writing about famous fans of foreign clubs, and no one is more passionate than Izaguirre. The Bilbao native fell in love with magpies 18 years ago.
“It all started with one player, Alan Smith,” he told Sky Sports. “He embodied the values that I loved. He was talented, but most importantly he was a warrior who was always fighting. I loved the players, the strip, the badges, the beautiful stadium, the culture.”
Since then, he has visited St James’s Park seven times, often traveling alone from Bilbao. “I even spent an away day at Watford.” He was too young to watch the legendary 1994 UEFA Cup match, but he heard the story from Bilbao’s perspective.
“The people of Bilbao still talk about that day and the older people tell me how special it was. It was great that the fans were so close.” Izaguirre isn’t surprised. Our supporters share our passion. “It’s a religion there, and it’s a religion in Bilbao.”
Athletics remains his first love. “My grandfather is Athletic’s oldest season ticket holder and we are very proud of him. I think Athletic is the most special club in the world, unique in modern football. I think every true football fan has a strong spot for Athletic.”
This is a reference to the club’s famous cantera policy of only selecting players with a connection to the Basque Country. Perhaps that will particularly resonate with Newcastle supporters? “I think the area is pretty similar,” Izaguirre agrees.
“I was born and raised in Bilbao, where 99 percent of the people support Athletic. Unfortunately, in other cities local teams are losing supporters to bigger teams. That won’t happen in Bilbao, because Bilbao is a unique club with a special bond.”
Newcastle is also a one-club city. “Bilbao and Newcastle are countries in their own right and have a sense of pride and belonging. Basques and Jordi are very similar. We are brothers from different countries. No other club in the world has the same passion as we do.”
Naturally, Mr. Stoker agrees. “There is definitely a crossover in terms of passion and strong regional identity.” The plan is for these common principles to be celebrated ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match between the two clubs.
Preparations are underway to present the flag to the athletics. “This is a favor we want to repay this week. It’s meant to symbolize the connection between our two supporter groups. It started more than 30 years ago, but that warmth still remains,” Stoker says.
