Home / Sports / Newcastle-Sunderland Derby Travel Plan Ignites Fan Fury
Newcastle-Sunderland Derby Travel Plan Ignites Fan Fury
10 Nov
Summary
- Fans must collect derby tickets on match day morning.
- Official coaches are mandated for the 13-mile journey.
- Supporters' trusts condemn the restrictive 'bubble trip'.
Controversial travel arrangements are set to continue for the upcoming Newcastle United vs. Sunderland derby on December 6. Sunderland fans will only receive their match tickets on the morning of the game at their home stadium, necessitating a 13-mile journey north to St James' Park via official coaches. This 'bubble trip' policy has drawn strong criticism from both clubs' supporters' trusts.
Sunderland's Red and White Army (RAWA) has labeled the arrangement an "absolute disgrace" and urged Northumbria Police to reverse the decision. Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) echoed this sentiment, stating they had collaborated with clubs to propose sensible alternatives. Minutes from a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting revealed the police cited issues at the previous fixture, including independent travel via rail and Metro, risk supporters congregating, and emergency service access difficulties.
Northumbria Police has defended the mandatory coach travel as "appropriate" and "proportionate" for supporter safety. Despite fan opposition and alternative mitigation proposals, including a joint plan by clubs and trusts, the bubble trip is expected to proceed. The allocation for Sunderland supporters is 2,528, reduced from previous fixtures due to safety assessments of the away seating area.
