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Supporters of Newcastle United’s bitterest rivals, Sunderland, have raised more than £13,000 for a floral tribute to Toon fans killed in the Ukrainian air disaster.

Super fans John Adler, 63, and Liam Sweeney, 28, were killed while travelling aboard doomed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 to see their beloved Newcastle United play in a pre-season tour in New Zealand.

Rival fans set up an appeal to raise £100 for flowers and a message showing how fans can come together in tragedy, with any surplus going to charity - and already the appeal has met its target more than 130 times over.

The appeal site said: “We may be Sunderland fans, who traditionally have deep rivalry with Newcastle, but there are things far more important than any football games. The incredibly sad news that has emerged this week about two Newcastle fans who have passed has left us all shocked and deeply saddened.

“Donating here will help pay for a floral tribute to those fans and to unity between the two clubs. Any extra money will be donated to a charity that has yet to be decided. Thank you for your time, effort and donations. RIP to John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were both far too young.”

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Newcastle supporters left messages on the appeal site applauding their rivals’ gesture.

One said: “What a great gesture by the fans of SAFC total respect to you all. This just goes to show North East football fans really are the best in the world.”

Another added: “I’m a Black n White and proud to be so, but this gesture by SAFC fans shows our region to be united - RIP John & Liam.”

Meanwhile, a separate appeal by Newcastle United fans to raise £500 towards the cost of a flag tribute to John and Liam, with any remained being offered to the family for funeral costs, has so far raised more than £3,300.

"As a mark of respect, we would like to have a flag made to take to all away games to celebrate their lives," appeal founder Kevin Moore said.

"The money will also go towards flowers to be taking to the funeral by close friends and - if the families accept - towards funeral costs."

Click here to donate to the Sunderland fans appeal

Click here to donate to the Newcastle fans appeal

Also read:

Flight MH17 tragedy: How Newcastle United and Tyneside have paid tribute to two NUFC fans killed

Superfan John 'The Undertaker' Alder's passion for Newcastle followed by the Chronicle

Tributes paid to Liam Sweeney by his shocked family as first picture is released

Newcastle United supporters pay tribute to loyal fans killed on Malaysian flight