Sunderland fans will have to use official buses to the derby in December after a meeting with police

Newcastle United's clash with Sunderland on December 5 at St James' Park will see away fans bussed in from Wearside after police advice.

Last season Sunderland fans were allowed to travel by train and set to St James' Park on foot but some left the escort and disturbances unfolded on the walk-up to the ground, including some supporters getting involved in scuffles ahead of the high-octane fixture.

This season will see the game return to a bubble travel fixture as fans have been told to use official transport services from the Stadium of Light to St James' Park. Chronicle Live can reveal that 2,200 tickets for Level 7 of the Leazes End will be allocated to Sunderland supporters.

A Newcastle statement read: "Sunderland supporters attending the Tyne-Wear derby at St. James’ Park on Sunday, December 6, 2026 will be required to travel to and from Wearside on official club coaches following a recommendation by the stadium’s independent Safety Advisory Group (SAG).

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"The recommendation follows advice from Northumbria Police to the SAG, which is chaired by Newcastle City Council as the Certifying Authority for St. James’ Park.

"Both clubs were invited to attend a recent SAG meeting to hear submissions made by Northumbria Police, and senior Newcastle United staff have since met with senior officers from the force to better understand the reasons behind the recommendation.

"We know that the vast majority of fans from both clubs are impeccably behaved and add a great deal to the occasion, and we also acknowledge that this step has been taken as an additional measure to ensure the safety of all supporters, staff, the authorities and the wider public.

"We will now work closely with Sunderland AFC, Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council and partner agencies to accommodate this recommendation and to ensure the match is a safe experience for everyone who attends.

"Further details on tickets will be shared by both clubs in due course.

"This recommendation does not impact away supporter travel for the return fixture at the Stadium of Light in May 2027, and any relevant recommendations will be made by the local Safety Advisory Group closer to that time."

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