Northumbria Police gives update on major operation for Tyne-Wear derby as Sunderland host Newcastle United
Police chiefs have stressed planning is "well underway" ahead of next weekend's Tyne-Wear derby - with details provided around work being carried out with Sunderland's bars and pubs.
Sunderland will host Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, December 14, at 2pm, marking the first Premier League clash between the two sides since 2016.
The teams last met in an FA Cup third round tie in January 2024, which saw the Magpies secure a 3-0 win at the home of their local rivals.
At the latest meeting of Sunderland City Council's East Sunderland Area Committee on Monday (December 1), Northumbria Police chiefs stressed a variety of work has already been going on to prepare for the upcoming match.
Neighbourhood inspector Jamie Southwell said: "Planning is well underway for the derby match, there is lots of planning underway.
"Resources have been allocated this week in terms of duty staff and rest day staff. I've been part of some of those meetings, particularly around the night-time economy and the licensed premises aspect.
"I’ve been linking in regarding that and we will have a very wide resourcing plan in place ready for when the derby takes place."
He noted they "have a whole host of planning meetings in the build up" and talks with the clubs and the FA have been held by gold and silver commanders at the force ahead of the event.
Inspector Southwell stressed this is all part of what is needed to prepare for "an event of this scale and magnitude."
He added: "We did have the derby last January now, the cup game, which was a little bit of a trial run because we hadn’t had one for seven or eight years.
"I’ve been focusing on the night time economy, the licensed premises, any premises of potential risk, and then the plan after the match into the early hours."
At the end of October, Sunderland confirmed there were no plans at the time for the derby at the Stadium of Light to be classified as a ‘bubble match’.
This means unlike last January’s FA Cup tie – when strict travel controls required Newcastle supporters to travel on official club transport under police escort – away fans will be free to make their own travel arrangements.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Andrew Wood, Millfield ward representative, referenced this, adding: "I’m sure that's going to make it more exciting."
Inspector Southwell responded by noting he has not been involved in any discussions around transport as that is outside his portfolio on this occasion.