Sunderland fan group issues positive update after Tom Burwell meeting and reveals next steps
RAWA has updated members after meeting Sunderland interim CEO Tom Burwell over supporter issues.
Sunderland supporters’ group Red and White Army has issued a positive update to members following a recent meeting with interim chief executive Tom Burwell and other club representatives.
The meeting came after several supporter concerns were raised around ticketing, including cancelled away tickets and difficulties experienced by some fans during the season ticket renewal process. RAWA has now told members that the discussions with Sunderland were “constructive and positive”, with the club said to have acknowledged the issues raised and taken steps to address individual cases where possible.
In an email sent to members, RAWA wrote: “Following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign, we plan to soon liaise with the FSA on all things Europe as we are, proudly, now a European football club. After a number of queries raised by members regarding ticketing issues, RAWA recently met with interim CEO Tom Burwell and others from Sunderland AFC to discuss concerns around cancelled away tickets. As well as difficulties experienced during the season ticket renewal process.
“The meeting was arranged in response to frustration amongst supporters when it came to attempting to renew their season tickets in other parts of the ground. We are pleased to report that the discussion with SAFC was constructive and positive. The club acknowledged the issues raised and engaged openly with the points put forward by RAWA on behalf of members.
“As a result of these discussions, positive resolutions were reached for the majority of affected supporters. The club has taken steps to address individual cases and improve processes where possible, which we welcome. RAWA will continue to represent supporters' interests and work closely with SAFC to ensure that lessons are learned from these experiences and that improvements can be carried forward into future ticketing.”
The update comes after a number of ticketing concerns were raised publicly towards the end of the season, with some individual cases later resolved following further dialogue with the club. RAWA also said the meeting included discussion around recent personnel changes at Sunderland, with the group relaying that the club described those changes as part of a strategic plan to operate successfully as a Premier League outfit.
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The email continued: “During the main meeting with the club and interim CEO Tom Burwell, there were discussions about the recent changes to personnel within the club, and stated that none of the changes were reactive, though instead strategically planned in order to make sure the club is ran as a successful Premier League outfit in contrast to how SAFC was ran in the Championship. A matter of progression.
“Regarding travelling away fans, it has been noted that Sunderland AFC plan to send their own stewards to accompany SAFC fans travelling on busy LNER trains. This being confirmed after a positive trial at the Bournemouth game, where behaviour seemed to improve.”
RAWA also confirmed that Paul Nelson and Jane Hughes represented the group at a recent Premier League Fan Advisory Board meeting at Villa Park, which brought together supporter representatives from across the division to discuss a wide range of issues.