http://www.northumbria.police.uk/ne...d=91573&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter NUFC v SAFC travel arrangements information Dated: 06 Jan 2014 NUFC v SAFC[View Full Size] The below is a further statement regarding travel arrangements for the Newcastle United v Sunderland AFC derby match on February 1. Assistant Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: "We welcome the decision by Sunderland Football Club in trying to avoid the disorder that has arisen at recent derby matches. "In particular Sunderland Football Club's initiative to condition ticket sales on travel to St James' Park aims to prevent the disorder that occurred around Central Station and the routes to and from the stadium at last year's match. During the escort of Sunderland supporters from the stadium to Central Station there were incidents of disorder in Newcastle city centre directed at them and police. "The transportation issue has been discussed between both clubs and the police. Based on those discussions Sunderland Football Club took this decision which is aimed at ensuring the safety of their supporters. "Northumbria Police cannot direct changes to kick off times or control the issue of tickets and how supporters travel to matches. We have worked closely with both football clubs and spectators groups in advance of this fixture to minimise a repeat of last year's fixture." Now SAFC and NP are blaming each other for the idea of 'The Bubble' however...if you notice the last line of this statement by them they claim they can't change the kick off time...which lets face facts is bollocks... Not only that but I cant actually remember much disorder last year apart from that caused by their own horse punching fans... I personally think its an idea that SAFC have agreed to for this year to make fans sitting ducks as it were allowing NUFC fans to barrage the coaches with missiles... If this happens then obviously the idea doesnt happen again, journos get to write about scumbag NUFC fans and also NP are made to look like amateurish nobheads...
There is no plans to make NUFC fans do the same in future fixtures despite them being 100% to blame for the trouble at recent games..
If I had a chance to go and take it regardless of the bus being compulsory or not. But surely the thing here is that it's taken away the honest people's freedom of being able to choose how they travel. Many people may live at Gateshead/Shields etc and they will have to come to the SOL first. Not good like
If I am correct here they can't change the kick off time, but they can deny the club a license to operate which means the game would have to be done behind closed doors. So they are just being economical with the truth. The other problem is what is to stop idiots without tickets kicking off all over the city centre? they have not thought of that one have they. Bottom line is the punishments should be harsher. After last years trouble the game should be played behind closed doors. Those responsible should be banned for life and given harsh sentences. I am sick of people not being able to behave, I spend my life dealing with idiots who can't take their drink and become heros after sniffing a shandy. They smash up property and generally make life unpleasent for normal people. The last thing I want to see when I go to football is a load of idiots fighting or smashing the place up. Their are idiots on both sides and they are ruining football for genuine fans.
The nags would trash their own coaches. They wouldn't find a coach firm that would take the risk. The idea that this nonsense is to protect Sunderland fans is a steaming pile of black and white. Any Sunderland fans who wanted to be protected from the scum could always opt in to travelling on the official coaches. Personally, if I can cope with the aggro from Mrs S when I have told her that I'm nipping out for a quick pint on an afternoon only to roll back in the early hours, then I can cope with making my own way to Sid James.
Jody Craddock ‏@MrJodyCraddock 4h Yes I'm on the bus with you guys. Expand Reply Retweet Favorite More Jody Craddock ‏@MrJodyCraddock 4h Going to the big derby up north in a few weeks ... On the other side of the fence mixing it with the @SAFCofficial fans this time. https://twitter.com/MrJodyCraddock
