Sunderland AFC fans will be escorted by police officers to St James’ Park for this Sunday’s (March 22) derby against Newcastle United as fans have been warned about “robust action” being taken against any would be trouble makers.
The return of one the most fierce rivalries in British football brings together Northumbria Police, Newcastle and Sunderland City Councils, Nexus, British Transport Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and the North East Ambulance Service as part of a massive operation to manage the event.
Newcastle and Sunderland fans are being warned about "robust action" against anyone causing trouble in this weekend's Tyne & Wear derby.placeholder image
Newcastle and Sunderland fans are being warned about "robust action" against anyone causing trouble in this weekend's Tyne & Wear derby. | Getty Images
All those involved are urging fans attending the game to plan ahead and to work with the authorities to ensure it takes place without incident.
Northumbria Police have confirmed that “for the safety of all” a police-supported escort to St James’ Park for Sunderland supporters will depart Newcastle Central Station at 10.15am.
This will mirror the escort seen at the reverse fixture in Sunderland in December last year (2025), which the Black Cats won 1-0, and is expected to be utilised by the vast majority of away fans.
Those who arrive later face having to wait at the station until officers are able to facilitate a second escort, which given the time needed for the journey and the required safety and ticketing checks poses a risk of them not being in their seats in time for the 12pm kick-off.
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, Sunderland supporters will be directed by officers to the start location where they can gather ahead of departure.
The provision for an escort from the station will not affect Sunderland fans who have already secured coach travel tickets which will arrive at and depart from St James’ Park.
Partner agencies are also warning about congestion on public transport with a Sunday service in place.
Bus, rail and Metro services are all expected to be “very busy” and all fans are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
Kevin Storey, Operations Director at Nexus, said: “We are looking forward to supporting the event along with other public transport operators. We ask that all supporters to follow the outlined travel advice set out by the police.
“Public transport will be very busy and we ask that fans, along with the wider non-match going public, plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. This will help to ensure that the everything runs as smoothly as possible.”
Fans who usually travel from Durham or Darlington stations are reminded that, due to engineering work, there are no trains to or from these stations towards Newcastle. A limited rail replacement service will be in operation, with fans encouraged to travel via alternative routes where possible.
Fans and other members of the public planning to drive into Newcastle city centre to attend the match should be aware of road closures which could affect their travel times. These closures will be focussed around Central Station, St James Boulevard and Barrack Road to facilitate the safe arrival of Sunderland fans via coach or the escort into St James Park.
On the day, there will be a much larger police presence around the ground than usual, and to further help accommodate the safe arrival and departure of both sets of fans, cordons will be in place.
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.”
Chief Superintendent Hall also warned about the potential consequences for anyone found to cause trouble.
He 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.”
Both Sunderland and Newcastle city councils have been involved in planning the return fixture between the two rival clubs.
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour, said: “Newcastle is always busy on a Sunday, but this Sunday will be even busier. Many coming in will be shopping and enjoying our leisure and culture attractions – not just football.
“Newcastle is a city famed for its warm, friendly atmosphere and we want everyone including the Sunderland fans to feel safe and welcome. That’s why we’ve been working with Sunderland and other partners in planning this proud occasion.
“Quite rightly, we want this to be a hard-fought game of football but after the final whistle for the generous North East spirit to prevail among both sets of supporters – many of whom live and work among each other.
“I am grateful to all transport operators and the police for the meticulous planning that goes into this event and ask that all supporters coming into the city follow the advice.”
“As a life-long fan, and season ticket holder who will be singing my heart out on Sunday, I know only too well what this match means to every Newcastle United supporter. I want a Newcastle win at the weekend, and I want bragging rights for our city, but let's make sure we keep the rivalries on the pitch."
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey, added: “As we always do, we’re all looking forward to this Tyne–Wear derby, and hopefully another 3-points for the Black Cats, but we’re all equally committed to making sure the day is enjoyable, welcoming, and safe for everyone taking part - whether you’re attending, watching in the city centres, or supporting from home.
“Both councils have been working closely with partners across the region, including transport providers, emergency services, and event organisers, to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“Our shared priorities are to see a positive and safe experience for all fans, and to make this a memorable day for all the right reasons.”
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