Sunderland back in the English football elite: Brexit-City regains its pride

The red and white stripes are everywhere this summer on the streets of Sunderland. They adorn the Roker Beach lighthouse, which peers out over the North Sea from the end of its endless pier, and the windows of pubs displaying their unwavering support for the local club. They are seen on the murals, and especially on the shirts worn by a disconcerting number of passers-by, who could be extras in a life-size replica of Where's Waldo? – except that their stripes are vertical.

Since May 24th, and a narrowly won promotion final against Sheffield United, the "Mackems" (1) have been standing a little straighter and walking with a lighter step. Even the seagulls flying over the mouth of the River Wear seem to be gliding with more grace. A cloud, which had settled in 2017 during the relegation of Sunderland Association Football Club to the second, then third division, has finally lifted. "The Association" is back in the Premier League, the elite of English football, and begins this new season by hosting West Ham this Saturday, August 16th.

A year before the start of its footballing wilderness, the city had already attracted attention. On the night of June 23-24, 2016 , a message from American actress Lindsay Lohan was posted on Twitter,