'The club should wait until they know what’s happening' - Sunderland fans react to season card plans

And it has divided fans, with supporters quick to have their say.

The club has promised supporters they will be able to apply for a refund if the 2019-20 campaign is ended early with three home games remaining, a move welcomed by fans though many have said they don’t want a refund and would be happy for the club to keep the money.

However, many fans have raised concerns over the plans for next season should the 2020-21 campaign have to start behind-closed-doors, as is widely expected.

Fans have until June 11th to renew on the direct debit scheme, with the first payment set to be taken on July 1st but should the season start without fans inside stadiums then those who do buy a season card would be entitled to a streaming pass to watch the home games.

Some say they are unhappy committing to a season card before it is known a) when the season will start and b) having to pay full price when some of the games are likely to be behind-closed-doors and fans would have to make do with a stream.

It’s a difficult situation for clubs who are having to try and plan for next season without any clarity yet from the EFL over when it will start, how this season will end and having to cope with the loss of matchday income since football was suspended in mid-March.

Here’s what Sunderland fans have had to say:

Mike Parkin tweeted: “Well done @SunderlandAFC, can keep this season's money.”

Andy Cuthbertson tweeted: “I currently pay for 4 season cards, adult, 2x under 18 and a child, we all live in the same household that means I will be paying £600 to watch a stream when international fans pay £50! Something not right here.”

Northern Soul added: “Can we have an option of a refund if we do not want to watch it on a stream?”

John Fitzsimmons said: “If you have more than one season card in a household; in effect the cost to watch a stream will be way more than the usual streaming price of £10 per game.”

Moving Target agreed, adding: “Good shout.. 2 adult season tickets in same household is disproportionately expensive to watch the same stream.”

Stu Hooley tweeted: “I don’t want a refund from safc if we play on they can keep the money for the 3 season cards I have, if the season is curtailed I want a full refund from the @EFL I didn’t pay £360 per season ticket to watch friendlies!”

John Bell added: “Totally agree!! you don’t go the the cinema and watch 70 minutes of the movie and there is a power cut you get full refund not for the last 20 minutes of movie. Your damn right if this happens EFL are accountable for a full refund.”

Michael Kent tweeted: “So if the whole season is behind closed doors....I pay £400 for a stream that will cost those who pay game by game just £10 a game. Cracking deal. Don’t take any money until you know what's happening with football next season.“

Andy McCoy added: “The club should wait until they know what’s happening for next season. I won’t pay for something and then have to watch on a stream!”

Paul Thomase added: “I think there would be a high percentage of supporters including myself that would waive their remaining refund in support of the club.

“But no way these owners will get a penny of my money including next season. Many more in the same boat.”

Dean Cummings added: “The club can keep my money.”

Over on our SAFC WhatsApp service, one fan wrote: “I’m going to renew and want to continue by direct debit, but the club shouldn’t be taking anyone’s money until they know when fans will be allowed back into the stadium.

“It could be empty all season for all we know and we’ll end up paying over 300 pounds for a streaming pass.”