Newcastle and Sunderland fans oppose 'bubble' derby restrictions

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 11 Nov, 12:01 · Archive

Supporter groups from both clubs have opposed plans to restrict away fans to official coaches for December's Tyne-Wear derby.

Newcastle United Supporters' Trust and Sunderland's Red and White Army have jointly opposed plans to make the 6 December Tyne-Wear derby a 'bubble fixture', which will require Sunderland's 2,000 allocated away fans to travel only by official coaches from the Stadium of Light.

Northumbria Police recommended the restrictions to the Safety Advisory Group in October, citing behaviour of a minority at the previous derby in March as creating a 'clear and significant risk of harm'. The force said missiles were thrown and fireworks discharged into large crowds, including near police horses, during that match. However, police also stated at the time that the March fixture had passed 'largely without incident'.

David Rose, vice-chair of Red and White Army, said the restrictions represent a 'backwards step for policing' that 'strips away supporter freedoms'. The supporters' groups argue the bubble designation applies 'blanket restrictions to thousands of law-abiding fans' and claim it ignores a decade of progress in managing high-risk fixtures.

Both groups object that supporters were not consulted before the recommendation was made. The Red and White Army said this raises 'serious questions' about the decision-making process, particularly given that Northumbria Police presented concerns about the previous derby to the Safety Advisory Group without wider fan input.

The designation is confirmed, with Sunderland's Premier League visit to Newcastle on 6 December now subject to the travel restrictions. The supporters' groups have called for police to reconsider the measures.

How it is being reported

• Sunderland ticket allocation confirmed for Newcastle derby as RAWA release fresh statement over 'bubble-gate'Sunderland have confirmed they have been allocated 2,528 tickets for the December 6th clash.Sunderland Echo · 11 Nov, 13:22
• Fans 'deserve better' than Derby bubble policingDecember's Tyne-Wear derby is designated a bubble fixture, severely restricting fan movement.BBC Tyne And Wear · 11 Nov, 06:11
• Sunderland issue updated message to fans ahead of Newcastle United derby as 'bubble' plans confirmedSunderland issue updated message to fans ahead of Newcastle United derby.Shields Gazette · 11 Nov, 05:30
• Sunderland issue updated message to fans ahead of Newcastle United derby as 'bubble' plans confirmedSunderland issue updated message to fans ahead of Newcastle United derby.Sunderland Echo · 10 Nov, 12:04
• Sunderland fans' group blasts Tyne-Wear derby 'bubble' plans as police urged to rethink restrictionsSunderland supporters have challenged proposed Tyne-Wear derby travel restrictions, raising concerns over evidence, consultation and supporter freedoms.Sunderland Echo · 10 Nov, 09:54
• Newcastle and Sunderland fan groups release statement over 'drastic and backwards' derby planNewcastle and Sunderland supporters groups oppose the decision to make next month's Tyne-Wear derby a 'bubble fixture'ChronicleLive · 10 Nov, 08:56

In this story: Newcastle United Supporters' Trust · Red and White Army · Northumbria Police · Sunderland · Newcastle United · Stadium of Light · St James' Park

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