Sunderland’s Premier League fixture schedule up until the New Year has now been confirmed

Sunderland fans attending the Tyne-Wear derby later this year will have to travel on official club coaches as the game returns to a bubble fixture.

The Premier League confirmed on Monday afternoon that the game has been rescheduled for TV coverage and will now take place on Sunday, December 6th kicking off at 2pm. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Newcastle United issued a statement shortly afterwards confirming that the game would return to bubble arrangements on the advice of the Safety Advisory Group. Ticket details will be announced in due course and Newcastle said the decision had no direct impact on the return fixture in May next year.

"Sunderland supporters attending the Tyne-Wear derby at St. James’ Park on Sunday 6th December 2026 will be required to travel to and from Wearside on official club coaches following a recommendation by the stadium’s independent Safety Advisory Group (SAG)," a statement said.

"The recommendation follows advice from Northumbria Police to the SAG, which is chaired by Newcastle City Council as the Certifying Authority for St. James’ Park.

"Both clubs were invited to attend a recent SAG meeting to hear submissions made by Northumbria Police, and senior Newcastle United staff have since met with senior officers from the force to better understand the reasons behind the recommendation. We know that the vast majority of fans from both clubs are impeccably behaved and add a great deal to the occasion, and we also acknowledge that this step has been taken as an additional measure to ensure the safety of all supporters, staff, the authorities and the wider public.

"We will now work closely with Sunderland AFC, Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council and partner agencies to accommodate this recommendation and to ensure the match is a safe experience for everyone who attends.

"Further details on tickets will be shared by both clubs in due course. This recommendation does not impact away supporter travel for the return fixture at the Stadium of Light in May 2027, and any relevant recommendations will be made by the local Safety Advisory Group closer to that time."

Join the Echo’s WhatsApp SAFC Channel for the latest news, team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join.

Sunderland have also had a number of other fixtures moved for TV coverage. The trip to face Liverpool at Anfield days previous will still take place on Wednesday December 2nd but will now kick off at 7.30pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Nottingham Forest's trip to the Stadium of Light following the derby has now been moved to 2pm on Sunday, December 12th and will be shown on Sky Sports though this was expected with the Black Cats in Europa League action at the San Siro that week.

Crystal Palace's trip to the Stadium of Light the following weekend will also be a Sunday, 2pm kick off live on Sky Sports, a blow for supporters who might well have hoped for a rare Saturday, 3pm kick off at home with no Europa League action that midweek.

Your next Sunderland read: Nordi Mukiele issues strong message to Sunderland dressing room in revealing post-match interview