The North East mayor has promised to seek answers for football fans angered by the decision to make the upcoming Tyne-Wear derby a 'bubble' match. Newcastle United and Sunderland supporters' groups joined forces last week to appeal to Kim McGuinness over the restrictions due to be imposed when the teams meet at St James' Park in December.
Despite Northumbria Police saying last season's fixture passed "largely without incident", authorities will block away fans from making their own way to the match this time, requiring Sunderland supporters to travel only on official club coaches from the Stadium of Light. The Red and White Army Supporters' Trust (RAWA) and the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust (NUST) said the move "demands clear justification" and gave the impression that the North East "cannot safely host its most high-profile football fixture without resorting to the most extreme crowd-control measures available".
Mayor's commitment after meeting fans
After meeting with fans from both sides of the Tyne-Wear divide on Monday afternoon, Ms McGuinness agreed that "questions need to be asked around why these bubble restrictions are suddenly deemed necessary". She added: "Nobody underestimates the challenge of policing a Tyne-Wear derby and public safety must come first. But thousands of responsible fans should not face significant restrictions unless there is clear evidence that they are necessary and proportionate."
"Fans are right to ask what has changed since the last derby. I'll now put their questions directly to the police and council and press for the answers supporters deserve. This should be a fantastic occasion for North East football, and we should be working with fans to make it both safe and enjoyable."
Supporters' concerns over consultation
The two supporter groups said last week that the decision had been made without any consultation with supporters and would "significantly alter the matchday experience for thousands who have done nothing wrong". They asked the mayor to help obtain answers on the evidence behind the decision, why fans were not involved in the process, and what had changed since last season's Premier League clashes between the two clubs.
Their open letter last Friday said: "We are not asking for safety risks to be ignored. We are asking for decisions to be proportionate, evidence-based, and made with the involvement of those most affected. RAWA and NUST stand ready to work constructively with all authorities to ensure the fixture is safe, well-managed, and worthy of our region. But supporters must be part of the conversation, not informed after the fact."
Club's justification
Newcastle United said last week that the decision had been made following advice from Northumbria Police to the city's Safety Advisory Group, which is chaired by Newcastle City Council, and was "taken as an additional measure to ensure the safety of all supporters, staff, the authorities and the wider public".
