Sunderland fans express fury in statement after Newcastle United decision

Sunderland fans have been expressing their fury at this Newcastle United decision.

A statement released by Sunderland fans on Tuesday from their RAWA (Red And White Army) organisation.

This followed an earlier statement today from their own club.

That official Sunderland statement reading: “Following a decision by Newcastle Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and Northumbria Police, a ‘bubble’ coach operation will be implemented for Sunderland AFC supporters attending the Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday 6 December. Under the arrangements, Sunderland ticket holders will be required to travel to and from the fixture via official coaches, departing from and returning to the Stadium of Light.”

The club statement adding: “Supporters should report to Exit 16, next to the SAFC Ticket Office, from 9am on the morning of the fixture. Match tickets will be issued to supporters upon entering the concourse areas, prior to boarding the official coaches. Tickets will not be issued to anyone who does not travel via the official coach operation.”

Then in response to that confirmation of the Newcastle United match decision, this Sunderland fans statement from RAWA (Red And White Army): ‘It would seem Northumbria Police will not reassess their decision to impose a full bubble trip for the Tyne–Wear derby and the reality of this decision kicks in. Sunderland supporters are now expected to report to the Stadium of Light at 9am for a 2pm kick‑off at a stadium just 12 miles away. Some fans will travel from north of Tyneside down to Sunderland only to be taken straight back up again on escorted coaches, before being forced to return to Sunderland after the match.’

The statement going on to say: ‘Over recent weeks, RAWA, Sunderland AFC, Newcastle United, NUST and the FSA have worked intensively behind the scenes to offer a safer, more proportionate alternative. We produced a detailed mitigation plan covering behaviour, travel, stadium operations and policing. We asked Northumbria Police to look again at their position. We highlighted the gaps in the SAG process. We pointed out the complete absence of supporter consultation in the seven months since the last derby. Despite all of this, Northumbria Police have refused to reconsider. We still have not seen a convincing explanation for why a bubble is needed. It leaves fans wondering if this is an exercise in cost cutting and convenience. We at RAWA are gutted for the travelling Sunderland fans who will be impacted by this, and we have no doubt that these arrangements will be reciprocated for Newcastle fans for the return fixture. Where do we go from here?’