Those who remained stared blankly into space. Well-meaning spouses, relatives and friends tried to comfort but there was a feeling of numbness.
Perhaps the sensible ones were those who walked out early, probably back in the sanctuary of home or the pub by now, trying to ensure the result wasn't a total weekend-wrecker.
A few raged impotently at referee Jarred Gillett, whose decision to send off Dan Neil for dissent just before half-time had completely flipped the momentum in this Wear-Tees derby. 'Four-nil to the referee,' they sang.
Any local derby defeat stings and more than a few Sunderland fans will no doubt be dreading the jibes of Middlesbrough-supporting colleagues on Monday morning.