Newcastle United's Premier League fixture against Sunderland at St James' Park on Sunday, December 6, 2026 will see away supporters transported by official club coaches from Wearside, following a recommendation by the stadium's independent Safety Advisory Group (SAG). The decision reverses last season's arrangement, when Sunderland fans were allowed to travel by train and walk to the ground.
Last season, some Sunderland supporters left the escorted walk-up and disturbances occurred on the approach to the stadium, including scuffles ahead of the fixture. This season, the game returns to a bubble travel format, with fans instructed to use official transport services from the Stadium of Light.
Ticket allocation and safety measures
Chronicle Live can reveal that 2,200 tickets for Level 7 of the Leazes End will be allocated to Sunderland supporters. A Newcastle United statement confirmed the travel requirement, citing the SAG's recommendation following advice from Northumbria Police.
The statement read: "Sunderland supporters attending the Tyne-Wear derby at St. James’ Park on Sunday, December 6, 2026 will be required to travel to and from Wearside on official club coaches following a recommendation by the stadium’s independent Safety Advisory Group (SAG)."
Police and club collaboration
The recommendation follows advice from Northumbria Police to the SAG, which is chaired by Newcastle City Council as the Certifying Authority for St. James' Park. Both clubs were invited to a recent SAG meeting to hear police submissions, and senior Newcastle United staff have since met with senior officers to understand the reasoning behind the recommendation.
Newcastle United acknowledged that the vast majority of fans from both clubs are impeccably behaved, but stated the step was taken as an additional measure to ensure the safety of all supporters, staff, the authorities and the wider public. The club will work closely with Sunderland AFC, Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council and partner agencies to accommodate the recommendation.
Ticket details and return fixture
Further details on tickets will be shared by both clubs in due course. The recommendation does not impact away supporter travel for the return fixture at the Stadium of Light in May 2027, with any relevant recommendations to be made by the local Safety Advisory Group closer to that time.
