After consultation with fans groups, the respective Safety Advisory Groups, Newcastle United FC and Northumbria Police, Sunderland AFC fans attending the Tyne-Wear on February 1st 2014 are being advised of new travel and ticketing arrangements for the fixture, which will kick off at 12:45pm.
All Sunderland supporters attending the game will be required to travel to St James’ Park on official transport. This will include a fleet of buses departing from the Stadium of Light and official supporters’ branch transport, with designated rendezvous points along the route. Further details will be released in due course.
Transport, including the official supporters’ branch coaches, will be provided free of charge by Sunderland AFC.
Fans are advised that SAFC’s terms and conditions of issue for tickets for the game will clearly state that official transport must be used in order to gain access to St James’ Park. Supporters will also be required to leave St James’ Park on the official transport provided.
Sunderland AFC’s head of safety, Paul Weir, said: “The safety of all fans at the derby is our priority. We also understand the need by all parties to consider the safety of people going about their day to day business in Newcastle.
“We have consulted with fans groups regarding the implementation of these new arrangements and whilst we recognise that some of our fans may be inconvenienced, we are working to minimise this as much as possible.
“We have liaised closely with Safety Advisory Group members, who are in full support of the new arrangements and this is an on-going process to make the derby a safe and enjoyable event for everyone, with a view to continuing to make it better in the future.
“I would like to thank our fans for their positive input so far and I am confident that these new arrangements will be a success.”
Further information will be announced in due course regarding departure times and details for the official transport.
