Former Sunderland midfielder Don Hutchison believes the 'unadulterated hatred' between Newcastle United and Sunderland should be celebrated after the two sides were finally reunited in the top flight.

The last derby clash in the Premier League between the two sides was in 2016 before Newcastle were relegated to the Championship.

The Magpies bounced back to the top flight immediately the following season, but were passed on the way up by Sunderland, who were themselves relegated under David Moyes' stewardship.

The Black Cats then spent years in the wilderness before promotion in the summer, with the only derby action being an FA Cup third round tie at the Stadium of Light two years ago.

Hutchison believes north east football is stronger when all sides – including Middlesbrough – are in the Premier League. But the pundit is clear – the two clubs really don’t like each other.

Speaking to online-casinos.com, Hutchison - who also experienced the Merseyside offering while playing for Liverpool - was asked how important it was for either club to win...