On and off the park Celtic dominated at Sunderland.
Led impressively by Callum McGregor Brendan Rodgers’ side took the local side apart to win 5-0 despite leaving behind most of the big names and substitutions throughout the  second half.
Off the park the home fans could only look on in awe as 9,000 visitors celebrated Terry Munro and the transformation of the hoops under Brendan Rodgers.
The spotlight was on the fans after another UEFA fine but despite being targeted for attacks before the match by local pond life the travelling fans were in fine voice throughout the afternoon.
Although gate money is very much an after thought in the English game there’s no doubt that the Celtic support would add to the ‘matchday experience’ at any ground in the Premier League or Championship.
With soul-less grounds hosting thousands of empty seats on a weekly basis the arrival of a colourful, vociferous and huge travelling support would be welcomed.
For a decade Sunderland fans watched all the monied clubs arrive at the Stadium of Light with a big support perhaps reaching 3,000- Celtic brought three times that and refused to be intimidated by the attention of far right no marks looking for their 15 minutes of fame.
PICTURE 1
@celticfc Fair play to Celtic fans today.Massive support and never stopped singing.Probably the best away support in the history of the SOL. pic.twitter.com/gTK230gK0M
— Graeme Cardy (@geecee1) July 29, 2017
A typical reaction as the travelling hoops light up the day off the park.
PICTURE 2
Celtic fans at Sunderland today #Celtic
Credit: @dodsy_adam pic.twitter.com/tS34PkFU69
— Football Away Days (@footyawayday) July 29, 2017
The popular fans twitter account recognises when something a bit special is happening.
PICTURE 3
Here for the famous pic.twitter.com/UZEQJCWQZ0
— Large saddy ?? (@Zakmcj_67) July 29, 2017
Fans from every area of Scotland made their way to Sunderland to celebrate the awesome work that Brendan Rodgers has completed over the last 12 months.
PICTURE 4
What a picture ???? priceless ???? pic.twitter.com/Rpse2qmQLK
— John McCluskey (@MaccaTheBhoy) July 29, 2017
From every angle the strength and colour of the away support was awesome.
PICTURE 5
Celtic park, hampden park and now stadium of light, every time Iv seen Celtic their fans show they are the best around ?? #celtic pic.twitter.com/WQwQGe01mM
— Stuart Brand (@StuartBrand7) July 29, 2017
Even those well used to watching Celtic were taken aback by the turn out at the Stadium of Light.
PICTURE 6
Celtic fans singing “One Bradley Lowery” today at Sunderland. Brilliant ???????? (via @liam10hill) pic.twitter.com/SDd1Dk0E4H
— The Away Fans Videos (@TheAwayFansVids) July 29, 2017
A touching moment remembering one of the most enduring stories of last season.
PICTURE 7
Never seen an away support like that at the SOL, absolutely incredible. Put us to shame
— Chris Thompson (@PrinceofPallion) July 29, 2017
Don’t be too harsh, it’s not just the Sunderland support that the Celtic fans put in the shade.
PICTURE 8
9,000 Celtic fans at Sunderland today for a friendly game pic.twitter.com/ItLf0vAxxS
— When Sunday Comes (@WSCsupporters) July 29, 2017
There will be a few clubs in the Championship that won’t average 9,000 fans, half of the SPFL Premiership would love an average of 9,000 at home games.
PICTURE 9
Worth coming today just to see this Celtic support. They are absolutely incredible. Can teach English fans a thing or two. pic.twitter.com/5SnqaBENzw
— James Nickels (@JamesNickels) July 29, 2017
Rather more memorable than the performance put in by Simon Grayson’s players.
PICTURE 10
Got to say apart from the bellends who were fighting the Celtic fans were one of the best we’ve had at the sol pic.twitter.com/B1mZU79qAQ
— Josh coulton (@joshcoulton28) July 29, 2017
There are always a few, overdoing the bevvy or whatever but no one can deny the strength and backing that the Celtic support give to their team.
PICTURE 11
Love them, hate them, Celtic are the best fans to come to the SOL ever, fact. #cfc pic.twitter.com/xbZSElDeOj
— davidbrown. (@Daviddbrownn22) July 29, 2017
Even the cynics out there acknowledge that the Celtic support is special, after 20 years the Stadium of Light got to host the Celtic fans.
PICTURE 12
#celtic fans were class today. Best I’ve seen at the SoL pic.twitter.com/M5JrPrL9WP
— Marty Forster (@MartyForster) July 29, 2017
Another Sunderland fan is taken aback by the 9,000 strong travelling Celtic support.
PICTURE 13
Absolute scenes today, from these Celtic fans at Sunderland. ????????pic.twitter.com/pimIN86iz1
— Football Stands (@TheFootyStands) July 29, 2017
Not much more needs to be added as the locals look on  at the passion of the visiting support.
PICTURE 14
Magnificent away support from Celtic. Can’t think of any fans who have travelled here in such numbers. #safc pic.twitter.com/x9gpoxuOFJ
— James Hunter (@JHunterChron) July 29, 2017
Another awe struck fan reawakened  by the passion of 9.000 fans watching a pre-season friendly between Champions League qualifiers.