Joint statement from partners ahead of Tyne-Wear derby

All agencies involved in this weekend’s Tyne-Wear Derby are urging everyone to plan in advance and play their part ahead of the game.

Planning for Sunday’s fixture at St James’ Park in Newcastle has been ongoing for months to facilitate the safe delivery of the match, with extensive discussions held with all parties.

This brings together both football clubs, Northumbria Police, Newcastle and Sunderland City Councils, Nexus, British Transport Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and the North East Ambulance Service.

Supporters of both Newcastle United Football Club and Sunderland Association Football Club looking to travel by Metro or rail are advised that all providers are operating a Sunday service.

Both services are expected to be very busy and all fans are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

We can confirm for the safety of all that a police-supported escort to St James’ Park for Sunderland supporters will depart Newcastle Central Station at 10.15am.

This will mirror the escort seen at the reverse fixture in Sunderland in December last year, and is expected to be utilised by the vast majority of away fans.

Those who arrive later face having to wait at the station until officers are able to facilitate a second escort, which given the time needed for the journey and the required safety and ticketing checks unfortunately poses a risk of them not being in their seats in time for the 12pm kick-off.  

Sunderland fans are therefore urged to do their utmost to arrive into Central Station ahead of the 10.15am start time.  Once inside the station, Sunderland supporters will be directed by officers and partners to the start location where they can gather ahead of departure.

The provision for an escort from the station will not affect Sunderland fans who have already secured coach travel tickets which will arrive at and depart from St James’ Park.

Fans who usually travel from Durham or Darlington stations are reminded that, due to engineering work, there are no trains to or from these stations towards Newcastle. A limited rail replacement service will be in operation, with fans encouraged to travel via alternative routes where possible.

Supporters of both clubs are warned to anticipate queues on all forms of public transport on Sunday, and should not expect to be able to board the first bus, Metro or train.

Fans and other members of the public planning to drive into Newcastle city centre to attend the match should be aware of road closures which could affect their travel times. These closures will be focussed around Central Station, St James Boulevard and Barrack Road to facilitate the safe arrival of Sunderland fans via coach or the escort into St James Park.

On the day, there will be a much larger police presence around the ground than usual, and to further help accommodate the safe arrival and departure of both sets of fans, cordons will be in place. 

Fans are asked to keep up to date with any information from their respective clubs and transport providers ahead of the fixture. 

Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, said:

We are aware of and appreciate the widespread excitement for the upcoming game between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Football fans in our region are renowned for being among the most passionate across the country, and the return of this fixture has been highly anticipated among both sets of supporters.

Our role – and that of our wider partners – is to help ensure that all those in attendance are able to enjoy the experience safely, and disruption for other members of the public is kept to a minimum.

We would therefore ask all fans to work with us to help ensure the match goes ahead without incident.

Chief Superintendent Hall added:

The overwhelming majority of supporters of both clubs will follow the advice being shared by ourselves and partners, and will be going to the match to enjoy the occasion.

However, we want to make it clear that there will be zero tolerance for anyone who is intent on using the game as an excuse to cause trouble.

Anyone found responsible will subsequently face robust action, including criminal prosecution and being handed a football banning order while further action could be taken by the respective clubs.

We will also have additional officers in both city centres in addition to the increased police presence at the ground.

Ultimately, we want to ensure all supporters can have a safe and enjoyable time – and everyone can play their part in achieving that result.

Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour, said:

Newcastle is always busy on a Sunday, but this Sunday will be even busier. Many coming in will be shopping and enjoying our leisure and culture attractions – not just football. 

Newcastle is a city famed for its warm, friendly atmosphere and we want everyone including the Sunderland fans to feel safe and welcome. That’s why we’ve been working with Sunderland and other partners in planning this proud occasion.

Quite rightly, we want this to be a hard-fought game of football but after the final whistle for the generous North East spirit to prevail among both sets of supporters – many of whom live and work among each other.

I am grateful to all transport operators and the police for the meticulous planning that goes into this event and ask that all supporters coming into the city follow the advice. 

As a life-long fan, and season ticket holder who will be singing my heart out on Sunday, I know only too well what this match means to every Newcastle United supporter. I want a Newcastle win at the weekend, and I want bragging rights for our city, but let's make sure we keep the rivalries on the pitch.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey, said:

As we always do, we’re all looking forward to this Tyne–Wear derby, and hopefully another 3-points for the Black Cats, but we’re all equally committed to making sure the day is enjoyable, welcoming, and safe for everyone taking part - whether you’re attending, watching in the city centres, or supporting from home.

Both councils have been working closely with partners across the region, including transport providers, emergency services, and event organisers, to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Our shared priorities are to see a positive and safe experience for all fans, and to make this a memorable day for all the right reasons.

If you’re heading to the match, you can play your part by following the pre-match transport messaging, arriving in good time, and following advice from stewards or emergency services on the day.

These measures are all in place to help keep everyone safe and to ensure the game is enjoyed in the best possible spirit.

Chief Inspector Pete Kooper, British Transport Police, said:

We’re working closely with Northumbria Police, rail industry and local authority partners to support the safe movement of supporters travelling to and from Newcastle for Sunday’s game.

We know this fixture is hugely anticipated and that many supporters will be travelling by train or Metro on the day. With both networks operating a Sunday timetable and services expected to be extremely busy, especially at Newcastle Central station, we strongly encourage fans to plan their journeys in advance, be patient and respectful towards rail staff and allow plenty of extra time.

Officers will be deployed across the rail network and at key stations to assist passengers and help ensure everyone can travel safely. We know the vast majority of attendees will do exactly that but anyone intent on using the occasion for crime or disorder on the network can expect to find themselves dealt with robustly. We would ask supporters to follow the advice of railway staff and police, and report any concerns to us by texting 61016 or by speaking to an officer.

Kevin Storey, Operations Director at Nexus, said:

We are looking forward to supporting the event along with other public transport operators. We ask that all supporters to follow the outlined travel advice set out by the police.

Public transport will be very busy and we ask that fans, along with the wider non-match going public, plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. This will help to ensure that the everything runs as smoothly as possible.