Sunderland v Newcastle United: Huge away allocation for Tyne-Wear derby - on one condition

Newcastle United have been allocated 6,000 tickets for next month's Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Demand is high as fans look to secure tickets for the first meeting between the two rivals in eight years. The Newcastle Supporters Trust previously wrote a letter demanding a full allocation, which, under FA Cup rules, is 15 per-cent of the stadium's capacity.

Since the third round draw was made, Newcastle have been working closely with Sunderland and relevant authorities, and while it isn't the maximum allocation, a bumper 6,000 away seats have been handed to United fans.

Under strict conditions, all away supporters will have to travel to the Stadium of Light on a free return bus from St James’ Park. Without this, the allocation would have been significantly reduced.

A Newcastle statement read: "To support the safe transit of 6,000 away fans and to alleviate congestion on the region’s public transport network, Northumbria Police has imposed strict conditions that all visiting supporters attending the match must travel on a free return bus service between St. James’ Park and the Stadium of Light. This service will be organised and funded by Newcastle United.

"As part of Northumbria Police’s safety conditions, Newcastle United supporters who are successful in purchasing an away match ticket will only receive their valid match ticket from Newcastle United staff on board the official bus service after boarding at St. James’ Park on matchday.

"Accordingly, supporters who are successful in purchasing a ticket will first receive a bus ticket (issued to the lead booker for grouped purchases). This will enable supporters to access the official bus service at St. James’ Park on the morning of the match.

"Bus tickets will include the ticket holder’s name, supporter number and a designated arrival time slot at St. James’ Park in preparation for departure. Match tickets will be distributed shortly after boarding.

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

More information on tickets

Newcastle fans will be designated in the upper and lower tiers of the North Stand. General admission tickets will be priced at £32 for adults, £29 for over-65s, £24 for under-22s and £14 for under-16s.

Tickets will go on sale to season ticket holders with 45 or more away points from 10am on Monday, December 18. Points will be reduced daily at 10am and 4pm, excluding weekends and Christmas Day, subject to availability.

Newcastle added "due to the strict ticketing conditions imposed by Northumbria Police, we regret to inform supporters that they will not be able to select their preferred seat, block or tier.

"Valid match tickets will be distributed by club staff once on board official buses and supporters are asked to use only the seat they have been allocated"