Sunderland Legend Gary Rowell Dies at 68, Hours Before Derby
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Sunderland football legend Gary Rowell has died at age 68. The club announced his death on Saturday.
Rowell was being treated for leukaemia. He died exactly 50 years after his debut for the club.
The former striker is a hero to Sunderland fans. He famously scored three goals in a 1979 match against rival Newcastle United. Sunderland won that game 4-1.
His death comes one day before Sunderland hosts Newcastle in a Premier League match. It will be the first top-flight derby between the teams since 2016.
The club says it will honor Rowell at Sunday's game.