Newcastle fans face travel chaos for Sunderland FA Cup clash as Mackems chiefs slam ‘short-sighted’ ticket decision
NEWCASTLE fans will face strict security measures on Saturday for the first Tyne-Wear derby in nearly eight years.
Six thousand Magpies supporters will travel to Sunderland for the FA Cup third-round clash, with police warning that any trouble “will be clamped down upon”.
EPANewcastle fans face travel chaos for their FA Cup trip to Sunderland on Saturday[/caption]
AlamySupporters face booze-free bus trips amid a large police presence[/caption]
Sunderland city councillor Dominic McDonough has hit out at allowing so many Toon fans to go to the game, blasting it as a “bad move”.
He said: “The policing operation to segregate and escort 6,000 fans safely to the stadium will be huge and costly, putting unnecessary pressure on officers and club officials.
“This seems short-sighted at a time when the police are already overstretched.”
To ensure the two sets of supporters do not clash in Sunderland, Northumbria Police have insisted that all Newcastle fans going to the match must travel on a free bus service from St James’ Park to the Stadium of Light.
No alcohol is allowed en route to Wearside, and they will only be given their match ticket when they exit the bus in Sunderland at the away turnstiles.
Fans will be able to have a beer inside the ground, but they will then be held back inside at full-time until home supporters have cleared the area.
And chief superintendent Neil Hutchinson said: “We know the overwhelming majority of supporters will follow the advice being shared by ourselves and their respective clubs and will be going to the match to enjoy the occasion.
“However, we want to make it clear to anyone who is intent on using the game as an excuse to cause trouble that this will not be tolerated.
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“Any disorder will be clamped down upon and those involved can expect to be arrested.
“Ultimately, we want to ensure all supporters can have a safe and enjoyable time.
“And everyone can play their part in achieving that result.”
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