‘It’s something I wish had never happened, I realise you cannot bite the hand that feeds, and I understood the ramifications of what I did’ Lee Clark on the career regret that still haunts him

Lee Clark of Sunderland is tackled by Ian Hamilton of Sheffield United during the Nationwide League Divison One play-off at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England. Sunderland won the match 2-0. There is an inset image of Lee Clark wearing a white t-shirt with the letters SMB on it.

It was the pre-camera phone era, but Lee Clark was still caught out. Perhaps, as a contracted Sunderland player, he shouldn’t have travelled to London to support Newcastle United in the 1999 FA Cup final.

But the die-hard Toon fan, who grew up in the East End of Newcastle, couldn’t resist the opportunity to watch the club he supported (and had played for only two years prior) potentially win a cup for the first time in 30 years.

Pre-match spirits (metaphorical and perhaps literal) were flowing and Clark was presented with a white t-shirt that had the letters SMB emblazoned on it. Everyone in the pub, and Clark himself, know exactly what they stood for.

‘Sad Mackem B*stards’.

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