Sunderland have replied to criticism regarding the ticketing arrangements for their upcoming FA Cup third-round match against Newcastle United.
Sunderland AFC has responded to the club’s primary fan group, explaining why a handful of season-card holders will be displaced as away supporters for the club’s upcoming FA Cup third round clash with Newcastle United.
The Red & White Army issued a statement last week criticizing the club for failing to consult with fans when devising the contentious derby plan, which would see 6,000 Newcastle United fans make the ‘bubble’ trip to the Stadium of Light.
Those fans will be seated in the North Stand Upper and Lower, which is a departure from the regular away seating configuration.
Sunderland responded publicly to some of the Red and White Army’s inquiries, stating that the decision to relocate home supporters was made to avoid the two groups of fans meeting at the same access points. They also stated that the minutes of the Safety Advisory Group meeting held to make the decisions would be published on time.
In response, the Red and White Army claimed they were dissatisfied that home supporters were not at the center of the club’s thinking, and that the decisions made and the process involved ‘has for many reaffirmed a narrative that SAFC take their passionate support for granted’.
The Red & White Army issued the following statement on behalf of Sunderland AFC: “Sunderland AFC appreciates the points raised by the Red and White Army Supporters’ Trust earlier this week and welcomes the opportunity to address any outstanding concerns felt within our fan base.”
“As stated last week, Emirates FA Cup rule 191 allows the visiting Club to claim up to 15% of the tickets supplied, up to a maximum of 9,000. This obligation can only be avoided if the visiting Club accepts a lower allocation or if the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) deems it unsafe.
“In this case, Newcastle United acknowledged the unique challenges that all parties faced in relation to this fixture but still requested the’maximum allocation possible.” SAFC investigated all options in order to meet its competitive commitments safely. The considerations are summarized below.
“It would not have been possible to house all visiting supporters in the North Stand Upper while ensuring the safety of all supporters in attendance and receiving approval from the SAG.” Due to the increased volume of attendees compared to a league match, this would have resulted in home and away fans using the same access points, and it would also have been unable to undertake the intensified search operation in place for all high-risk matches.
“Moving away fans to the Roker End (South Stand) was also rejected, and the decision was made to proceed with the arrangements communicated last week, which eliminates the need for enhanced searches and reduces the potential for fan base interaction upon entry.”
“This option was later approved by all parties, including NUFC, who agreed to reduce their allocation from 15% and facilitate all away ticket holders’ coach travel as required by Northumbria Police.” We recognize and understand that this has led in significant disappointment for some of our supporters, who are now required to vacate seats they have occupied for many years.
“Those affected are guaranteed an alternative seat at the same price they would have paid in the North Stand, and their designated sales phase ensures a wider selection of seats to choose from than if they entered in phase one.” The meeting minutes from the conversations discussed are likewise public record, and as such, the SAG will publish them later.
“We regret that consultation was not possible on this occasion due to the extremely limited timeframe involved and processes outlined above, combined with the focus on the safety of those attending.” Sunderland AFC remains committed to engaging with our fans, and we continue to value the assistance of our devoted Supporters’ Groups.”
“In response, whilst we welcome SAFC’s commitment to future engagement with RAWA and other supporter groups, we remain disappointed that “what do our supporters think?” was not at the forefront of the Club’s mind,” the Red and White Army group wrote in their own statement. While we recognize the restricted timeframes for input, the lack of interaction and information throughout the process, as well as the ultimate outcome on location and distribution, has resulted in genuine outrage from many supporters.
“In the context of previously existing issues with the ticket office, replica shirt availability, issues with the location of away fans, and general customer service, this situation has for many confirmed a narrative that SAFC take their fervent support for granted.” We hope that in the future, the Club can work in a meaningful way with supporters, through now-overdue supporter collective meetings, to improve how SAFC communicate with and service its passionate fanbase.”
