Newcastle United and Sunderland supporters' groups have jointly opposed the decision to make next month's Tyne-Wear derby a 'bubble fixture', calling on Northumbria Police to reconsider the move.
The Newcastle United Supporters' Trust (NUST) issued a statement saying they 'fully support' Sunderland supporters' group The Red and White Army (RAWA) in their bid for the derby's 'bubble fixture' status to be scrapped.
Bubble fixture confirmed for December 6
A Newcastle United statement last month confirmed that away fans will be bussed in from Wearside for the first derby clash of the season on Sunday, December 6, with supporters attending the fixture only being permitted to travel by official transport services from the Stadium of Light.
This marks a shift from last season's fixtures, with Northumbria Police confirming after the Magpies' 2-1 defeat to the Black Cats that 'the policing operation around the match between Newcastle United FC and Sunderland AFC passed largely without incident'.
Safety Advisory Group minutes raise concerns
The Red and White Army obtained minutes from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) where Northumbria Police presented concerns arising from the previous derby and secured broad support from partner agencies for a managed coach travel operation.
However, RAWA believes this raises 'serious questions' because supporters were not consulted before the recommendation was made. They confirmed that together with the clubs, NUST and the Football Supporters' Association (FSA), they produced a 'detailed mitigation document, which sets out practical, proportionate steps covering behaviour, travel, stadium operations and policing', and urged Northumbria Police to reconsider their stance.
Their statement read: "A bubble match means away fans cannot get their ticket unless they travel on the official, police-escorted coaches. No choice of transport, no freedom to plan your day. It places blanket restrictions on thousands of ordinary supporters.
"This would be the first bubble in the history of the Tyne–Wear derby, imposed after a fixture with only three arrests and described by police as 'largely without incident.' There has been no consultation with supporters at any point in the seven months since that game.
"Red and White Army is extremely concerned that such a drastic and restrictive measure has been pushed through without proper evidence, without meaningful engagement, and without any attempt to work with supporters on a proportionate plan.
"The SAG minutes released this week raise serious questions. They show that concerns from the March derby were discussed, but they do not show any detailed evidence pack, incident data, intelligence summary or formal risk assessment being shared.
"The meeting appears to have centred almost entirely on a managed coach operation, with no alternative options formally presented, tested or compared. Supporter consultation didn't happen before the recommendation was made, and 'engagement' was only mentioned as something to do afterwards. There is no sign of a balanced assessment of risk.
"Issues linked to independent travel were noted, but there is nothing to show these were weighed against the risks introduced by a compulsory coach operation. There is no distinction between different types of supporters, despite acknowledging that the vast majority behave responsibly.
"And there is nothing to show that targeted, less restrictive measures were even considered before deciding a bubble was the only answer. Prior to receiving the SAG minutes (obtained via a Freedom of Information request), RAWA, the clubs, NUST and the FSA produced a detailed mitigation document.
"It sets out practical, proportionate steps covering behaviour, travel, stadium operations and policing. These include enhanced voluntary coach travel, managed rail options, alternative walking routes with larger buffer zones, targeted deployment at known congregation points, and strong fan-led communications.
"Together, these measures offer a workable, collaborative approach that tackles the risks identified without removing supporter choice. We have asked Northumbria Police to reassess the decision in light of these mitigations and the clear gaps in the SAG process.
"So far, they have refused to do so. David Rose, Vice Chair of RAWA and Deputy CEO of the Football Supporters' Association, said: 'A bubble is a backwards step for football policing. It strips away supporter freedoms, applies blanket restrictions to thousands of law-abiding fans, and ignores a decade of progress in how high-risk fixtures are managed. Supporters deserve better.'
"Based on the information released to date, RAWA does not believe the case has been made that a compulsory bubble is necessary, proportionate or justified. We continue to urge Northumbria Police and partner agencies to revisit the decision and work with supporters and clubs on a safer, more balanced plan that respects both safety and supporter rights. Supporters remain ready to work constructively with all stakeholders. What we need now is a willingness from Northumbria Police to do the same."
NUST backs RAWA's call
The NUST then added their own statement via X, saying they 'stand firmly alongside' the Red and White Army in calling for Northumbria Police to reconsider their decision.
"NUST fully supports this statement from @RedAndWhite2017. We have worked closely with RAWA, both clubs and the FSA to jointly develop and present a detailed package of sensible, proportionate alternatives to the proposed derby bubble. This has been a genuine collective effort, putting rivalry aside to protect the rights of all supporters while prioritising safety.
"We stand firmly alongside RAWA in calling for Northumbria Police to reconsider this decision and engage meaningfully with the constructive solutions we have put forward together."
