Pickford’s return to the Stadium of Light was marked with nostalgia. However, it was his son that stole the spotlight, wearing a split-team shirt.

Monday’s match marked the first time that former Sunderland player Jordan Pickford returned to the Stadium of Light since his departure from the team in 2017. But, growing up in Sunderland, fans welcomed back their former player with remembrance and gratitude.

Pickford joined Sunderland’s Academy when he was eight years old and stuck with the team for most of his early career. Despite being sent on loan to several teams, such as Darlington, Bradford and Preston North End, Pickford always remained a part of the Sunderland family.

In 2016, he was recalled by a struggling Sunderland, who were in the relegation zone in 19th. Pickford made his debut with his home team in January of that year. However, by the end of the season, Pickford had signed for Everton, where he has been ever since.  

His son, Arlo, aged 6, walked out onto the pitch by his father’s side. Trooping both his father’s former team and current team, Arlo wore a split shirt with both the Sunderland and Everton kit. The split shirt symbolised the unity of football, displaying Pickford’s roots and appreciation for his homeboy team. Meanwhile, he was acknowledging his current home at Everton.  

Fans on X have shared their thoughts, describing the gesture as ‘heartwarming to see such loyalty to both clubs.’ 

Pickford later took to his Instagram account following the match, expressing his reflection on returning to Sunderland. “A special night back at the Stadium of Light,” followed by sharing he is “Proud to share it with my lad".

The father-son duo has been commended by many Everton and Sunderland fans, with them praising how he acknowledged his home roots.  

However, other fans have called the symbolic act as “disgraceful and embarrassing”.  

The shirt, whilst trying to unify and commemorate his home team, has sparked some controversy and backlash. 

With the final score being 1-1, the split shirt somehow predicted the outcome of the match. Sunderland currently place 4th, compared to Everton in 14th, following the result. 

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