TBH, the only times I have ever had a direct confrontations over football is by fellow Sunderland fans. 1) At a home match a couple seasons back, and 2) In The Chesters. Goes to prove there are arseholes amongst every club, and to be honest, I think of both incidents (unprovoked by me) when I hear the 'best fans in the world' stuff peddled. Ohh well....
The main point of my post. I lived in Sheffield for 5 years and went to a shedload of away games (largely on my own) around the period of 2001 to 2006. I worked with one of the main lads in the BBC at the time and ended up being drafted in for a few games for a Sunday league team which was around half BBC or ex-BBC. I ended up playing a season and a half for them actually. Anyways, talk invevitably got round to firms and stuff. I confess I have never knowingly even drank or know any of Seaburn, but their points from the outside chime with a few posters. Like NUFC funnily enough, SAFC were looked at as having huge numbers and capable of mixing it with the best, but with rank bad organisation. Lad concerned named SAFC v Blades at Roker 90/91 was one of the best rucks he's had! Also said 'we' used the tightly crammed streets and Roker effectively....I saw someone else on the board mentioned Blades v SAFC at Bramall Lane, the boozer that was thrashed was on London Road IIRC... Very much Blades territory.
Also, Riveria mate, for what its worth I think you're one of the most informative posters on the board. If anyone ever levels at "you're not a real supporter" shite at me (bearing in mind my location, and I haven't been to game this decade!) I know in my heart I am SAFC, and I know I served my time in the Third Division and the old Second Division. Followed the lads to easily 25+ grounds away from home and must have been to 100's of home games......I risked a few kickings in the process. Example, Derby away (Poom goal).... I nearly got knacked at Sheffield train station. Sheffield United v Cardiff same day.... two mobs of 250+ up for it and me in casual gear (I am not a casual, but I'd never wear a shirt on my own on an away day) walking past two baying mobs. Literally walked between the two firms given my own police escort - Sheffield copper, "bloody hell, Sunderland, what the blodday 'ell are ya doing 'ere son?"
Final thing..... My dad told me the story once of Sunderland and Leeds fans clashing by chance on the M1.... Days before mobile phones etc, and a sheer chance meeting at a service station. My old man said they had to close the M1 for an hour leading to huge tailbacks and it made the national news or sommit... Must have been mid-70's... Anyone shed any light?