Sunderland v Newcastle United tickets: Supporters Trust issue powerful message ahead of FA Cup tie

Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) have issued a strongly worded letter in relation to the number of away tickets allocated for next month's Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Under FA Cup rules, away supporters are entitled to 15 per-cent of the stadium's total capacity. The Stadium of Light’s official capacity is 48,707, meaning 15 per cent would equate to 7,306 tickets.

Newcastle supporters are yet to learn their allocation but it is feared it will be reduced. The Safety Advisory Group (SAG), including representatives of the police, fire and ambulance services, must agree on the proposed away allocation and can choose to decrease the figure if there is a risk to health and safety.

NUST have written to Northumbria Police, Newcastle and Sunderland, and have said they expect a maximum allocation.

The letter read: "As the Chair of the Newcastle United Supporters Trust, I am writing to express our expectation that Newcastle United fans be provided with the full 15% ticket allocation for the upcoming FA Cup tie between Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United.

"We believe that ensuring full access to tickets for away supporters (as per the FA Cup regulations) is crucial for keeping the magic of the FA Cup alive, while also providing an opportunity to positively showcase the passion of our region towards its football teams with an international audience tuning in. We have seen the damage a reduced away allocation has caused to the spectacle of various derbies (most recently Celtic vs Rangers) and are keen to show to the world why ours is special and one to be proud of.

"It is important that sporting integrity is upheld in allowing Newcastle United supporters access to a full allocation of tickets to get behind our team. An example of a similar situation was Everton supporters receiving a ticket allocation of 7900 at Anfield for the Merseyside Derby at the same stage of this competition in January 2020. We therefore trust that Northumbria Police will be able to work with both football clubs and local authorities to safely accommodate a full allocation of Newcastle United fans to travel to Sunderland in similar numbers that Merseyside Police allowed Everton supporters to do on that occasion.

"We appreciate your attention to these matters and look forward to establishing a successful and open dialogue ahead of this hugely anticipated FA Cup tie, in order to create as enjoyable an experience as possible for supporters.

"Thank you for your time and consideration. Yours Sincerely, Greg Tomlinson".

The Magpies travel to their local rivals on the first weekend of January for the first Tyne-Wear derby in eight years. A date and kick-off time is still to be confirmed.

Both sides have been relegated to the Championship since last facing each other. But while Newcastle bounced back to the Premier League at the first attempt, the Black Cats dropped into League One.

The Wearsiders spent four seasons in England's third-tier but achieved promotion in the same season in which United were taken over by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

But the rivalry is renewed next month with Howe's side aiming to become the first Newcastle team since August 2011 to win a derby.