Newcastle United Immortalised Via 8ft Stained Glass Window By Fan (PICTURES)

PICTURES: Newcastle Fan's Tribute To Toon Army

Newcastle United fan John Hardisty reacted to St James's Park being renamed the Sports Direct Arena the only way a right-thinking Toon fan would - he immortalised the club as a religion.

Hardisty revealed he was compelled to create the stained glass window after he saw a banner held aloft by a supporter at their home ground.

"I saw the reaction of fans outside St James’ Park when it was announced that it was going to be renamed," Hardisty told North News.

"Then I saw this guy holding a protest poster, which he’d made out of felt-tip pen. It said: 'Football is my religion. St James’ Park is my church'. My idea came from that really. Football, especially Newcastle United, is a form of religion up here.

"I saw some images on the internet and started to draw my own from there. It took about two months for me to draw and then create the window."

Papiss Cissé is displayed as Jesus Christ on the cross, albeit in a celebratory pose.

The Senegalese has only scored one goal this season but struck 13 times from just 14 appearances in his debut campaign with the Magpies.

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