Police issue warning as Sunderland fans handed strict travel plan and escort for Newcastle United game
Police have confirmed Sunderland supporters travelling to the Tyne-Wear derby will be escorted from Newcastle Central Station
Sunderland supporters travelling to Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United will be escorted to St James’ Park as part of a major policing and safety operation.
Thousands of Black Cats fans are expected to travel to Tyneside for the midday kick-off, with authorities putting special arrangements in place to safely move away supporters from Newcastle Central Station to the stadium.
Planning for the fixture has been underway for months and has involved both clubs alongside a number of regional partners, including Northumbria Police, Newcastle and Sunderland City Councils, Nexus, British Transport Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service.
Sunderland supporters to be escorted by police
The key measure will see Sunderland fans arriving by rail escorted from Newcastle Central Station to St James’ Park under police supervision. Officials confirmed that the main escort will depart the station at 10.15am on Sunday morning.
“We can confirm for the safety of all that a police-supported escort to St James’ Park for Sunderland supporters will depart Newcastle Central Station at 10.15am,” organisers said via a Newcastle City Council statement. “This will mirror the escort seen at the reverse fixture in Sunderland in December last year, and is expected to be utilised by the vast majority of away fans.”
Supporters arriving later could face delays if additional escorts are required, with organisers warning that late arrivals may risk missing the start of the game. The statement added: “Sunderland fans are therefore urged to do their utmost to arrive into Central Station ahead of the 10.15am start time.”
Once inside the station, supporters will be directed by officers and event staff to a designated gathering area before the escort departs for the stadium. The escort arrangement will not affect Sunderland fans travelling to the game via official club coaches, which will arrive directly at St James’ Park.
Travel advice issued ahead of Newcastle United vs Sunderland
Authorities have warned that public transport across the region will be extremely busy on Sunday morning, with both Metro and rail services operating a standard Sunday timetable. Supporters have been urged to allow extra time for their journeys and to expect queues when travelling.
Fans travelling from Durham or Darlington have also been advised to plan alternative routes because engineering works mean there are currently no direct train services to Newcastle from those stations. A limited rail replacement service will operate.
Drivers heading into Newcastle city centre should also be aware that a number of road closures will be in place around Central Station, St James Boulevard and Barrack Road to facilitate the safe arrival of Sunderland supporters.
Police warning ahead of Newcastle United vs Sunderland
Northumbria Police say a significantly increased police presence will be in place across Newcastle city centre and around St James’ Park. Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said the derby is one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the region.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are aware of and appreciate the widespread excitement for the upcoming game between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday. Football fans in our region are renowned for being among the most passionate across the country, and the return of this fixture has been highly anticipated among both sets of supporters.
“Our role – and that of our wider partners – is to help ensure that all those in attendance are able to enjoy the experience safely, and disruption for other members of the public is kept to a minimum. We would therefore ask all fans to work with us to help ensure the match goes ahead without incident.”
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Hall added: “The overwhelming majority of supporters of both clubs will follow the advice being shared by ourselves and partners, and will be going to the match to enjoy the occasion. However, we want to make it clear that there will be zero tolerance for anyone who is intent on using the game as an excuse to cause trouble.
“Anyone found responsible will subsequently face robust action, including criminal prosecution and being handed a football banning order, while further action could be taken by the respective clubs. “We will also have additional officers in both city centres in addition to the increased police presence at the ground. Ultimately, we want to ensure all supporters can have a safe and enjoyable time – and everyone can play their part in achieving that result.”