Sunderland councillor expresses 'shock and disappointment' over Newcastle United ticket allocation

A city of Sunderland councillor has expressed his "shock and disappointment" over the awarding of 6,000 tickets to Newcastle United fans for the upcoming Tyne-Wear derby.

Conservative councillor Dominic McDonough, who represents the St Chad's Ward in Sunderland, has written a letter to the SAFC owner, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Kim McGuinness, to highlight his concerns at the allocation.

In the letter, Cllr McDonough said: "I am writing to express my shock and disappointment at the announcement that Newcastle fans have been allocated an incredible 6,000 tickets for next month's derby match at the Stadium of Light.

"As a Sunderland supporter of over 25 years with experience of a number derby games, I feel that this is a bad move and one which may lead to increased tension between fans.

"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 according to your own testimony.

"The decision to move season ticket holders to make way for the extra Newcastle fans is similarly baffling.

"Loyal supporters will be removed from their seats with the club now suggesting that they will not be able to purchase replacement tickets until the second round of sales.

"This leaves the possibility of some fans missing out.

"I would urge both the club and Northumbria Police to urgently reconsider this decision and limit Newcastle fan numbers to the maximum allowed for standard league games."

Newcastle United fans have been granted the 6,000 tickets for the FA Cup on the basis that they travel on free buses from St James' Park to the Stadium of Light.

Magpies fans also won't receive their ticket for the third round match on Saturday, January 6, until they are on the buses.

The club stated: "Without such conditions in place, the club’s allocation would have been capped by Northumbria Police at a significantly lower 2,500 seats."

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Newcastle fans will be situated in the upper and lower tier of the Stadium of Light's North Stand for the fixture.

The awarding of the bumper allocation follows the Newcastle Supporters Trust previously writing a letter demanding a full allocation, which, under FA Cup rules, is 15 per-cent of the stadium's capacity.