SAFC supporters get parking ticket let-off....just this once

Did you park at the Sunderland Retail Park close to the Stadium when you went to watch the Lads take on Arsenal on Tuesday night - and return to find a parking ticket on your windscreen?

If so, you might be in luck - you don't have to pay up.

Around 200 tickets were issued to cars belonging to supporters going to Tuesday's game, many of whom complained that they've parked there for several years with no problems.

The firm that manages the retail park - DTZ - say that shop owners at the retail park have had problems with customers not being able to park while matches are on, because of supporters' cars.

DTZ say new parking restrictions limiting parking to 90 minutes have been in place since the beginning of this season but supporters have complained about insufficient signs pointing this out.

Managing Director Peter Bowden said that on this occasion the fines would not be pursued.....because Sunderland supporters are having such a rough time this season.

Bowden said, "The tickets issued on Tuesday night won't be pursued. Sunderland fans probably have a lot on their plate at the moment, being second bottom of the league and getting beaten on Sunday and by Arsenal reserves on Tuesday.

"But that is a one-off concession and the parking restrictions will be in place and enforced for Sunderland's next home game on Saturday."