What the new North East COVID-19 restrictions mean for Sunderland AFC and football in the region

We take a look at what impact – if any – the new regulations will have on Sunderland and the area’s local football scene:

What are the new restrictions and why have they been introduced?

New regulations have been introduced for Sunderland, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, Gateshead And County Durham

There is now a curfew for pubs and restaurants of 10pm, and residents are not to socialise with those outside of their household.

The restrictions will come into place from midnight on Thursday, September 17 after a rise in case numbers in the North East.

Do the new restrictions affect Sunderland AFC fixtures?

It’s business as usual for the Black Cats, as Sunderland AFC’s fixtures remain unaffected by these new regulations.

The Black Cats will still head to Oxford United on Saturday, September 19 before welcoming Peterborough United to the Stadium of Light the following weekend.

Will the new restrictions affect fans returning to the Stadium of Light?

At this moment in time, the government are still working towards a date of October 1 for the phased return of spectators to sporting events to begin.

It remains unclear how these new restrictions will affect these plans on Wearside – as the EFL prepare to hold eight pilot events this weekend.

Phil Parkinson confirmed on Thursday that he did not believe the Black Cats were set to host a pilot, and clubs in other areas where restrictions are in place have not been able to hold pilot events.

Peterborough United president Darragh MacAnthony confirmed earlier this week that local authorities had refused a potential pilot at his club due to local infection rates.

How will other local clubs be affected by the new restrictions?

Other local football fixtures are set to go ahead as planned this weekend – with clubs below the National League North able to welcome spectators as per the previously issued government guidance.

Durham FA have already suspended all their grassroots fixtures in the affected areas until next week.

The restrictions do, however, advise supporters not to attend ‘amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.’

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear

Football Clubs Editor