Feedback over policing at Sunderland v Newcastle match

7:50pm Saturday 29th November 2008

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FOOTBALL fans have criticised aspects of the policing and stewarding of last month's Sunderland v Newcastle match which was marred by trouble.

Rival supporters clashed at full time when 50 home fans invaded the pitch after Sunderland won 2-1, their first home derby victory in 28 years.

Two men confronted Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given after Sunderland scored and United's substitute Joey Barton was pelted with missiles.

Police made 29 arrests on the day and said that a further 30 supporters would be arrested.

The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) North-East Division invited both sets of fans to comment on the matchday control.

It says it received 10,000-plus words of constructive feedback, with most supporters expressing positive views, saying police "conducted themselves with due care and good nature towards supporters of both clubs''.

But the federation's report says fans were critical of post-match arrangements for Newcastle supporters who were held back at the end.

Fans felt that confusion about access to toilets, a failure to clear the stadium promptly, and the piping of celebratory post-match music, "further increased tensions''.

Fans felt there was insufficient segregation of rival fans and not enough stewards or police in place.

"In addition, access to the playing area was gained far too easily by individuals spilling out of seated areas, due to inappropriately positioned stewards.''

Many fans felt the stewarding was "unprofessional'', with some stewards celebrating Sunderland's winning goal, and there appeared to be a failure to deal with missile throwing.

The report recommended a central pool of stewards used by both clubs that could "improve their effectiveness and competence''.

There were issues over 'phantom' tickets being issued and disabled supporters being put in vulnerable locations.

Newcastle was praised for providing a free coach service but many said they would use public transport in future because the journey took too long.

Scott Bentley, vice-chair of FSF Northeast, said: "Our forward-looking recommendations are focused on improving the match-day experience for supporters attending future North-East derby matches, some of the most passionate games in football.''

Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay, of Northumbria Police's Operations Department, said: "We value fans' feedback on our football policing operations. We are happy to work with the Football Supporters' Federation and respond to concerns and are committed to working closely with our partners to help ensure that all fans can enjoy football matches safely."

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has said that the club will look at what happened and work to ensure that there is no repeat of the trouble at future derby encounters.