Sunderland consider major derby U-turn as supporters blast 'disgraceful' Newcastle United move

Sunderland fans head into Saturday's Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United furious at the club's hierarchy after a section of the Stadium of Light was decorated in black and white signage.

Around 700 of Newcastle's 6,000 travelling fans are paying £600 a ticket for a hospitality seat in the Black Cats Bar. And in leaked photos on social media, the suite has been plastered in Toon banners, including the words "We are United", "Keep the black and white flying high" and "Howay the Lads". Sunderland legend Peter Reid has also appeared to be mocked with the slogan 'Cheer up Peter Reid'.

Hundreds of Sunderland fans have reacted angrily on social media with many directing their anger at owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. It's been suggested that Louis-Dreyfus has stepped in and the signage will be taken down, but, at the time of writing, the Black Cats are yet to release an official statement. As a result, the anger continues to build online.

"This is a disgrace," said one fan. "The club are dealing with this derby horrendously. This would NOT have happened under Bob Murray no way! Spineless and greedy." Another said: "No way! That’s it for me, I can’t support the board anymore, this is an absolutely disgusting decision."

Prominent Sunderland fan account Roker Report then responded to rumours the banners will be removed: "Being taken down now apparently. Too late, the damage is done. Shameful."

The Stadium of Light is a sell out for Saturday's derby, which kicks off at 12:45pm. Six-thousand Geordies will make the short journey to Wearside and under strict conditions, all away supporters will have to travel 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."