Alious
Regis Le Bris may be stepping into his first-ever Wear–Tyne Derby this weekend, but he is no stranger to the volatility, emotion, and fallout that comes with managing in a rivalry match. His last major derby experience, however, left behind an unforgettable stench — literally.
During the 2023–24 season, Le Bris’ Lorient side met Brest in the Breton Derby, a regional clash that, while lacking the close geographical intensity of Sunderland vs Newcastle, carried plenty of hostility. Brest sits around 134km from Lorient — far from the 20-minute hop separating Sunderland and Newcastle — yet the animosity between the clubs remained fierce.
When Lorient travelled to Brest in December 2023, their supporters demanded pride and fight. Instead, they endured a humiliation. Brest tore through Lorient 4–0, with Kamory Doumbia scoring all four goals before half-time. With Lorient already struggling — nine defeats from their previous 17 matches — this derby capitulation pushed fans over the edge.
The Merlus Ultras responded with a dramatic protest: dumping 400kg of rotten fish outside the club’s training ground, accompanied by a scathing message reading, “Truly rotten, like you.” It was a moment that underscored just how ugly rivalry fallout can become.
Even the return fixture brought little comfort. Brest completed the double with a gritty 1–0 win, a fiery clash that saw four yellow cards and a stoppage-time red for Bilal Brahimi. By then, Le Bris had seen firsthand how quickly a derby can boil over — and how brutally supporters judge the outcome.
But Sunday’s Wear–Tyne Derby at the Stadium of Light will be a completely different reality for him.
For one, the scale is incomparable. Brest and Lorient play in compact venues holding between 15,000 and 16,000 spectators. Sunday’s derby will feature double that number in one of the most emotionally charged atmospheres in British football. Le Bris will step into a cauldron louder, larger, and far more intense than anything he encountered in Brittany.
There is no doubt he has prepared meticulously. Known for his methodical, detail-driven approach, he will have studied the fixture, leaned on advice from club figures who have lived this rivalry, and ensured his players understand what it means. He certainly won’t underestimate the occasion.
As for how the match unfolds — nobody can say. That unpredictability is part of the derby’s allure. What is certain is that Le Bris is about to discover a whole new level of rivalry fire. And with luck, this time he won’t end up dealing with any rotten fish.
Alious
