Sunderland interim CEO Tom Burwell will meet supporter groups after widespread ticketing concerns, with fans raising issues over tickets and communication

Sunderland interim CEO Tom Burwell is set to meet with supporter representatives in the coming weeks following a wave of concerns around ticketing and communication issues.

The development comes after a growing number of fans have come forward to both The Echo and supporter group Red and White Army (RAWA), highlighting a range of problems during the renewal process. In a statement shared by RAWA, the group confirmed discussions with the club are ongoing and that a meeting with Burwell is expected soon.

They said: “We’ve been engaging with the club and are expecting a meeting with the interim CEO during the week commencing 4 May to address recent ticketing issues affecting supporters. Alongside this, our next structured dialogue meeting is coming up. We’re gathering views from fans to help shape the agenda - so please share your thoughts in the replies or email [email protected].”

The meeting comes after a growing number of complaints from supporters, with The Echo hearing from fans across a broad cross-section of the club’s fanbase. The issues raised are not isolated, spanning multiple age groups, seating areas and ticket types. Accounts shared in recent weeks highlight a range of problems, including failed direct debits, seat allocation errors and continued difficulties when attempting to select or relocate seats during the renewal process.

Concerns have also centred around communication, with supporters describing a lack of clarity and consistency when trying to resolve issues. Similar experiences have been reported across different parts of the stadium and ticketing structure - from the Jimmy Montgomery Suite to corporate areas, 76 Yards and general admission.

New cases are continuing to surface, indicating the scale of the issue as Sunderland adjusts to life back in the Premier League. The upcoming meeting is expected to give supporter representatives the opportunity to put these concerns directly to senior club figures. The Echo has previously approached Sunderland AFC for comment on the issues raised, but has yet to receive a response.

What has Sunderland’s interim CEO, Tom Burwell, said recently?

Burwell recently told The Echo the club are determined to protect the connection with their loyal fanbase that has underpinned Sunderland’s return to the top tier, while also being mindful of not placing undue financial strain on supporters during a period of rising living costs.

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“Driving revenues in today's Premier League has to be the single most important thing for the business so that you can invest back into the team,” Burwell said. “The ownership and the board recognise the connection that is currently in place with the fans, and putting those fans first and foremost will always remain the same.

"These decisions and these evolutions are not reactive; they are conversations that have been taking place about, 'how do we ensure that this football club that has all of the foundations that we know it has is best set to be competitive in the Premier League for years and years to come?' This season has been representative of that first step, which has given us the opportunity to make some decisions from positions of strength. It's an incredibly exciting time.”

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