Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has thanked Sunderland fans for their support after two supporters were lost on MH17 last week.
John Alder and Liam Sweeney were killed when flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine. The Newcastle supporters were flying to New Zealand to follow the club on tour.
The tragedy, in which a total of 298 people died, prompted Sunderland fan Gary Ferguson to set up a fund with the intention of raising money to buy flowers to lay at St James' Park.
His £100 target was reached within minutes as fellow Black Cats supporters answered his call, and with fans of other clubs also becoming involved, the total had reached in excess of £22,000 by Monday morning.
Pardew said: "A lot is made of the rivalry between the two cities, and of course that is there.
"But I would like to thank all the Sunderland fans who have paid tribute and helped raise a staggering amount already.
"I am very proud of Sunderland Football Club for the way they have conducted themselves and I want to thank them."
