Police Issue Tyne-Wear Derby Advice

Northumbria Police is asking Newcastle and Sunderland fans to help them make the upcoming Tyne-Wear derby match a success.

The match - which is being held on Sunday, 21st October - will see a capacity crowd at the Stadium of Light and Northumbria Police are urging football fans to help them make the occasion a successful and safe day.

There will be extra police officers on duty for the match and they will be based at key points around Sunderland and Newcastle before, during and after the game. They are there to help supporters on match day and to ensure the safety of everyone attending.

Roads in Sunderland City centre are expected to be extremely busy on derby day and Newcastle fans are being advised to plan their travel arrangements for the game in advance - either by Metro, train or on the official club supporters buses.

Newcastle United are once again providing transport to the Stadium of Light for supporters who have purchased a ticket for the fixture at Sunderland.

The cost per supporter will be £5. The Club is making this nominal charge to counter logistical problems encountered last season, where large numbers of fans booked places on the coaches but did not then take advantage of the travel offer.

Supporters are encouraged to use the coaches to travel the game as it assists local police to manage the arrival and departure of Newcastle fans attending the game.

The Club will still be paying the full cost of the coaches, however all monies raised by the Club by levying this charge will be paid to a chosen Newcastle United charity.

Roads closed on derby day will be - Sheepfolds North and Sheepfolds Road - near to the St Peter's Metro station.

One major change to this year's derby is that the location of away fans at the Stadium of Light has changed. They are now seated in the upper tier of the North Stand.

Newcastle fans are being asked to work with police and stewards and wait in the stadium for a short while after the final whistle. This is allow police to ensure there is a safe path back to the coaches and Metro trains for fans when they leave the stadium.

The holdback will be kept to a minimum amount of time and is in place for everyone's safety and Newcastle fans will have access to bars, refreshments and toilets while they are waiting.

Sunderland supporters will be asked to leave the stadium briskly after full-time.

Officers will be using security barriers, used at previous derby matches, to help guide the away supporters safely from the ground after the match.

Operations Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "The majority of supporters on derby day are there to enjoy the game and soak up the occasion that is the Wear-Tyne derby.

"We have policed many derby games in the past, we know they are passionate occasions for both sets of supporters and on the whole fans have behaved well at previous games.

"We are aware there are a minority who are intent on causing problems and our message to those people is that trouble will not be tolerated and anyone who puts the safety of supporters at risk on the day will be dealt with swiftly and firmly.

"Our role is to help supporters enjoy their day and ensure that the match passes safely for everyone attending.

"We are prepared for every eventuality and I'd ask that all supporters respect the occasion, their clubs, other supporters, police and club staff - we are all working together to make sure the day is a success and that all supporters get home safely on Sunday evening."