James Copley: I covered both Sunderland-Newcastle United games last season – these restrictions feel out of proportion
Sunderland and Newcastle United fans deserve better than blanket restrictions on their derby matchdays.
I covered both Sunderland and Newcastle United derbies last season, spending time outside each ground to capture the scenes as rival supporters arrived. What I witnessed makes compulsory coach travel for Sunderland fans in December feel out of proportion.
Both occasions passed largely without incident. There were problems, but the arrangements appeared to need adjustments in specific places. Before restricting every away supporter’s travel choices, the authorities should explain why those changes would not be enough.
What happened at each derby?
At the Stadium of Light in December, I had reservations. There were pockets of Newcastle supporters around the ground early on, usually an adult with a child. It was an unusual sight, but they were looked after well by police. The larger groups arriving by coach and Metro were separated effectively. From what I witnessed, both clubs, the police and everyone involved deserved credit.
Much of March’s return fixture was similar. Standing beside police officers as Sunderland fans stepped off their coaches, I watched the exchanges with Newcastle supporters. There was banter, hostility, posturing, swearing and passion. It was fierce, and it was great to witness.
Nobody I saw in that area overstepped the mark. Police kept things contained, and supporters made their way towards the ground. This derby is a showpiece for the North East. In my opinion, it is England’s most intense rivalry, probably second only to Celtic and Rangers across the United Kingdom. Its atmosphere deserves protecting.
Were some changes needed?
Elsewhere, as Sunderland fans were escorted up from the Metro, there were minor altercations. Sunderland’s team coach was also pelted with bottles. That behaviour was unacceptable. The police cordon looked a little too thin to me. Having witnessed it and spoken to people within the travelling group, I believe a stronger line of separation and a few more boots on the ground could have prevented some flashpoints.
The arrival time had been publicised, presumably to help Sunderland supporters assemble. Newcastle fans knew when they were coming. Their presence was predictable, and the arrangements needed to account for it. That does not excuse anyone causing trouble. But the overwhelming majority behaved themselves, with Northumbria Police describing the game as having passed “largely without incident” and recording three arrests that day.
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Neither set of supporters should pay the price
It is encouraging to see Newcastle United Supporters Trust, Red & White Army and the Football Supporters’ Association aligned in opposition. Fans deserve meaningful consultation before decisions change their matchday so substantially.
The principle applies equally to Newcastle United supporters. Reciprocal restrictions at the Stadium of Light would need their own justification, rather than being introduced simply because Sunderland fans faced them. I saw plenty of good policing at both games. My argument is that an operation which largely worked could be improved without imposing such sweeping changes.
Safety is essential. But supporters who did nothing wrong should not lose their freedom to travel without a convincing explanation. Strengthen the arrangements where necessary, listen to fans and preserve the occasion. Neither side should have its derby diluted because of problems that better organisation could address.
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