'Extremely disappointed' – Newcastle United fans back Sunderland supporters and demand answers over derby travel row

Newcastle United Supporters Trust has backed Sunderland fans in the row over compulsory derby travel, calling for an urgent review of the restrictions imposed on visiting supporters.

The trust has strongly opposed the requirement for Sunderland fans to travel on designated coaches to the December 6 fixture at St James’ Park. In a detailed statement, it questioned the evidence behind the decision and criticised what it described as a lack of meaningful consultation with supporters.

NUST also made clear its understanding that Newcastle United Football Club had not imposed the requirement. It said the club had been informed following a recommendation from the independent Safety Advisory Group, chaired by Newcastle City Council and acting on advice from Northumbria Police. The statement comes amid frustration over the arrangements for Sunderland’s trip to Tyneside, with the trust arguing that supporters should not face blanket restrictions without a clear explanation.

“We are extremely disappointed that such a restrictive measure has been introduced without meaningful consultation with the supporter groups representing those directly affected,” the trust said. “Responsibility for explaining and justifying this decision must rest with all parties involved in the process, the Safety Advisory Group, Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police.”

Newcastle supporters question what has changed

The trust pointed to the policing assessment of March’s derby at St James’ Park, questioning why mandatory coach travel was now considered necessary. “What makes this decision particularly difficult to understand is that recent Tyne-Wear derbies have taken place without the need for such blanket travel restrictions,” it said.

“Indeed, following the derby at St. James’ Park in March, Northumbria Police themselves reported that the policing operation had passed ‘largely without incident’, while acknowledging the overwhelmingly positive behaviour of the vast majority of supporters.”

The statement then asked whether new information justified removing supporters’ ability to make their own travel arrangements. “Has there been new intelligence or evidence that now justifies removing the freedom of thousands of law-abiding football supporters to make their own travel arrangements? If so, this should be shared with supporter groups for discussion and explanation.”

NUST also questioned whether shortcomings in the management of previous fixtures were being addressed. “If the issue is the ability to safely manage the movement of visiting supporters from Newcastle Central Station to St. James’ Park, then surely the responsibility lies with the police and relevant authorities to develop an effective policing and crowd-management operation,” it said.

Trust calls for urgent review

The trust has called on the Safety Advisory Group, Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police to publish the evidence and risk assessment supporting the recommendation, subject to legitimate operational sensitivities. It also wants an explanation of why alternatives, including managed walking escorts, were considered insufficient, alongside answers over supporter consultation and an urgent review of the coach requirement.

“Football supporters should not be treated as a collective problem to be contained simply because a fixture presents additional policing challenges,” the statement continued. “We fully recognise the importance of public safety and accept that the Tyne-Wear derby requires careful planning and appropriate policing. However, restrictions must be proportionate, evidence-based and justified. The actions of a small minority should never be used to impose unnecessary restrictions on the overwhelming majority who simply want to attend a football match.”

The trust stressed that its opposition went beyond the rivalry between the two clubs. “This is not about Newcastle supporters versus Sunderland supporters. It is about the rights and fair treatment of football fans, regardless of which club they support. “Any restrictions imposed on supporters must be necessary, proportionate and based on a clearly identified risk.

The authorities should demonstrate why mandatory coach travel is required and why less restrictive measures would not adequately address the concerns identified. Public safety is paramount, but it cannot be used as a blanket justification for increasingly restrictive measures without clear evidence, proper accountability and meaningful supporter consultation. Until those questions are answered and the decisions properly justified, NUST cannot support these restrictions.”

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