In response to complaints regarding the ticketing for the forthcoming FA Cup third-round matchup with Newcastle United, Sunderland has released a statement.
In an answer to the primary Sunderland AFC fan base, the club has explained why some season-ticket holders would not be able to attend the forthcoming FA Cup third-round match against Newcastle United.
Six thousand Newcastle United supporters will travel in a “bubble” to the Stadium of Light for this heated derby. The Red & White Army released a statement last week criticizing the club for not consulting with fans throughout the planning process.
As opposed to the customary away seating arrangements, those fans will be seated in the North Stand Upper and Lower.
In response to some of the inquiries made public by the Red and White Army, Sunderland stated that the choice to relocate the supporters’ residence was made in order to prevent the two groups of supporters from congregating at the same entrance locations. Additionally, they promised that the Safety Advisory Group meeting minutes, which were used to make the decisions, would be released on schedule.
Replying to the club’s lack of consideration for home supporters, Red and White Army expressed disappointment, saying that the decisions taken and the procedure followed ‘has for many reaffirmed a narrative that SAFC take their passionate support for granted’.
The Red & White Army released a comment from Sunderland AFC, which reads, “Sunderland AFC appreciates the points raised.”
“As announced last week, Emirates FA Cup rule 191 allows the visiting club to retain up to 15% of the total number of tickets sold, with a maximum of 9,000 tickets. This requirement can only be waived in the event that the visiting club agrees to a reduced allotment or the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) determines it to be unsafe.
“In this case, Newcastle United requested the’maximum allocation available’ despite acknowledging the particular challenges that all parties involved in this fixture face. SAFC thought through all of its alternatives for securely carrying out its competition duties. Below is a summary of the things to keep in mind.
It would not have been able to host all visiting supporters in order to guarantee the security of every supporter there and obtain consent from the SAG.
“All stakeholders, including NUFC, who consented to lower their allocation from 15% and enable all away ticket holders to travel by coach as mandated by Northumbria Police, subsequently approved this option. We recognize and acknowledge that some of our supporters have been deeply disappointed by this, as they now have to vacate positions they have held for a long time.
“An alternative seat at the same price as they would have paid in the North Stand is assured to those affected, and their designated sales phase guarantees a greater selection of seats than if they entered in phase one.” The talks from the meeting minutes are likewise subject to public record, therefore they will also
Given the history of problems with the ticket office, the availability of replica shirts, problems locating away fans, and general customer service, this incident has reinforced the perception held by many that SAFC takes their ardent support for granted. In order to enhance how SAFC engages with and caters to their devoted fan base, we hope that in the future the Club may meaningfully collaborate with supporters through the long overdue supporter collective meetings.”
