Rivals come together in support of South Shields fans involved in minibus crash

Non-league clubs and supporters have put their rivalries aside after South Shields fans were involved in a minibus crash on their journey home from Tamworth on Saturday night.

Fifteen people were taken to hospital when a minibus overturned on the A1 near Darrington in West Yorkshire. Though the Yorkshire Ambulance Service declared a major incident and the road was closed for hours, no fatalities were reported.

Fans were travelling back after a 3-2 defeat to already-crowned champions Tamworth in the Vanarama North National League. Two other vehicles were involved in the collision.

• Read more: Man fighting for life after crash on the A19 in South Tyneside

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South Shields FC shared a statement on its social media channels on Saturday night which read: "Our thoughts go out to the supporters involved in a crash on the way home from today’s game. At this moment of time we have no further details, however we hope everyone is safe and recovering."

Other non-league clubs were quick to offer messages of support, with Saturday's opponents Tamworth posting on X, formerly known as Twitter: "We are so sorry to hear about the accident. Our sincere thoughts are with everyone involved and trust everybody makes a full recovery."

Tamworth FC Supporters Club also posted on Facebook on Saturday night: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the South Shields fans this evening that have been involved in a road accident this evening on their way home."

Fourth-placed Chorley FC posted posted on Twitter: "Our thoughts are with the South Shields supporters involved in a crash on their way home from their game this afternoon - hoping everyone returns home safe and sound."

12th placed Scarborough Athletic posted: "We are very sorry to hear this. Sending our best wishes to everyone involved."

Hereford FC also commented: "Really sad to read this. Sending our best wishes to you all and we hope everyone involved is OK."

It was not just the world of football sending well wishes, with Jarrow MP Kate Osborne commenting on Facebook: "Hope everyone is okay."

South Shields head into their final game of the National League North season in seventh, hoping that a win against Southport at the 1st Cloud Arena will secure them the final play-off place in the league. They are up against another North East team for the spot, Spennymoor Town, who are also on 71 points but have an inferior goal difference - while Boston United, Hereford and Chester are also still in contention.