This weekend's Tyne-Wear derby kicks off at 12pm at St James' Park in Newcastle.
Newcastle and Sunderland fans have been urged to "play their part" in ensuring the Tyne-Wear derby this weekend, on Sunday 22 March, runs smoothly and safely.
Northumbria Police, Newcastle and Sunderland City Councils, Nexus, British Transport Police, the fire and rescue and ambulance services say they have coordinated a joint plan for the match, which will see the Magpies host Sunderland at St James' Park in a Premier League clash.
As part of the plans, advice has been issued for away fans arriving into Newcastle from Sunderland:
Arrival - Away fans are strongly encouraged to arrive before 10:15am at Newcastle Central Station.
Police escort - A police-supported escort to St James' Park for Sunderland fans will depart from Newcastle Central Station at 10:15am on Sunday morning. The vast majority of away fans are expected to be part of this escort, mirroring the Wear-Tyne derby fixture in December last year.
Late arrivals - Fans who arrive later at the station will have to wait until officers are able to carry out a second escort. It is not guaranteed that this will get fans sat in their seats in time for the 12pm kick off.
Further public transport travel advice has also been issued head of the match:
Rail travel - Supporters are being reminded that a Sunday service is operating on the Tyne and Wear Metro and other rail services on derby day.
Durham and Darlington - Those travelling from Durham or Darlington stations are reminded that engineering work on the line means there are no trains to or from these stations towards Newcastle. A limited rail replacement service will be running.
Coach travel - The police escort from the station does not impact Sunderland fans who have already secured coach travel tickets.
For those planning to drive into Newcastle city centre on Sunday, road closures are also in place around Central Station, St James' Boulevard and Barrack Road.
There will be a large police presence at St James' Park, police have said, to help facilitate the safe arrival and departure of all fans.
Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Mark Hall 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."
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