Fan groups from Sunderland and Newcastle United have criticised the decision to implement a “bubble” arrangement for the Tyne-Wear derby.

The decision means that Black Cats fans will travel to and from St James’ Park via official club coaches and won’t be able to make their own travel arrangements.

Sunderland have also had their ticket allocation reduced to 2,200.

The derby takes place on 6^th December.

RAWA: “Urgent Meeting” Required

Fan groups from both clubs hit out at the decision, which was made by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), in conjunction with Northumbria Police.

Red and White Army (RAWA) branded the bubble arrangement an “absolute disgrace” in a statement released on 19^th October shortly after it was announced.

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) joined in the condemnation, saying it “strongly opposes the decision”.

Now RAWA have released a follow-up statement, in which they call for an “urgent meeting” involving fan groups, representatives from both clubs, and “all stakeholders” involved in making the decision.

The statement read: “We are encouraged to see supporters of both clubs aligned in their views on the proposed bubble arrangement for travelling supporters attending the fixture at St James’ Park.

“In light of this clear supporter sentiment, we now call for an urgent meeting involving supporter organisations from both clubs, all key stakeholders who attended the SAG meetings and representatives from both SAFC and NUFC.”

RAWA also asked for “the publication of the full minutes from the extraordinary SAG meeting” that made the decision, and “justification as to why the away allocation has been further reduced.”

The statement concluded: “The level of opposition from supporters of both clubs should leave no doubt that this proposal has failed to command confidence by those most affected by it.

“Transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement must now replace closed-door discussions and unexplained recommendations.”

Sunderland backed RAWA, saying that they “did not agree” with the decision, and calling for “clarity” as to how it was made.

An official club statement read: “Whilst we do not agree with the decision that has been reached, we recognise that this decision will disappoint many supporters who would prefer to make their own travel arrangements.

“While respecting the SAG’s decision, we have sought clarity on the revised risk assessment and requested transparency as to how the end decision has been made.”

Following the decision, concern is now growing among fans that the same arrangement could be put in place for the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light next May.

Neither Newcastle United nor SAG had commented at the time of writing.

What Is a “Bubble”?

“Bubbles” can be arranged when a match is deemed high risk by the local SAG. It means that fans cannot travel independently to a game, unless they have certain exemptions, such as disabilities.

According to the Football Supporters Association (FSA), away fans are given vouchers which are then swapped for match tickets while travelling to the fixture on a coach. After the game, they are ushered straight back on to the coaches.

The aim is to keep opposing fans separate and reduce the chances of trouble.

The bubble arrangement has been used once before for an FA Cup tie between the two sides at the Stadium of Light in 2024, which Newcastle won 3-0.