Sunderland cause backlash amid decision after recent incidents with away fans

Sunderland cause backlash with their own amid a decision of theirs after recent incidents with the away fans section at the Stadium of Light.

For a long while now, there have been calls for the club to move where the away fans are situated, or simply putting some sort of netting to stop those in the tier below getting injured from objects/missiles chucked down.

Well after discussions, it seems the club is, well, not exactly doing a lot about it at all, failing to listen to fans’ pleas and didn’t even take their view when it came to making a decision…

ℹ️ #SAFC today confirms that visiting supporters will continue to be situated in the North Stand Upper at the Stadium of Light.

More information… 🗞️👇

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) February 28, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT:

Sunderland AFC today confirms that visiting supporters will continue to be situated in the North Stand Upper at the Stadium of Light.

The Club has conducted an extensive review to identify the most suitable long-term location for away fans, during which it frequently consulted with local authorities in addition to meeting with the Supporters’ Collective on several occasions.

All parties unanimously agreed throughout the process that the safety of all supporters attending fixtures at the Stadium of Light is of paramount importance and this was ultimately the determining factor behind the decision taken.

The ongoing implementation of enhanced safety measures in the North Stand Upper, including an increased stewarding capacity complimented by enhanced training, an upgraded stadium CCTV network and enhanced lighting system, and the banning of items such as coins and vapes, was also considered.

These measures have had an extremely positive impact on away supporter conduct and dramatically reduced the incident rate to ensure it is now in line with other areas of the stadium.

The installation of a protective netting was also explored and several UK and overseas options were evaluated, but following the implementation of the measures above, it was determined that they would not further reduce the risk of missiles due to the items commonly used.

The review also considered a range of other implications alongside supporter safety, including stadium strategy, atmosphere and potential disruption to home fans should the stadium configuration change. Full consideration was also given to the likely changes in ingress and egress once the new bridge and Sheepfolds development are completed.

The Club recognises that unacceptable conduct by a small minority of home and away fans is fundamentally a society-wide behavioural issue and we have made recommendations to the EFL to pursue further research to address the root causes.

We are also in regular dialogue with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, who are currently assessing a proposal from the Club to introduce railed seating in the Roker End and North Stand Upper ahead of the 2024-2025 Season to address persistent standing.

The Club appreciates that any discussions relating to changes to the stadium and matchday experience could result in understandable concern and we thank all fans for their patience and support throughout the review period.

SEE MORE: Fans hit back at Sunderland and Coventry with statements issued on crowd trouble

As mentioned, Sunderland cause backlash amid the decision after recent incidents with away fans…

@wearelutontown: Not that you should really care about the away fans, but it’s a terrible place for us to sit and takes away from that back and forth with your home support.

@tomlang71: Killing the atmosphere for another season again

@JC95SAFC: Doesnt make any sense opening the concourse up if away supporters are staying put. Fill the bowl before the concourse

@aspi80: Could it not of been put to a vote to season ticket holders

@M_Stubbs82: Where was the consultation with fans? Especially those season ticket holders in the north stand who have had missiles land on them

@Jhouns1991: What a horrendous decision this is

@lxke_19: Terrible. Hope the club are reading these comments

@Parkersafc: Terrible decision in my opinion. The atmosphere has never been the same since the away fans were moved up there. So many better options in the lower bowl.

@Brooky_31: Wrong decision made. Your pleasing a minority letting them go back upstairs when in reality you are diluting the atmosphere in the lower bowl. Adding away fans would have created a greater atmosphere in the bowl. Such a shame. Safety message tries to hide this point to fans

@Jack_Tomlinson2: Horrendous decision

@michaelrenwick_: Wrong decision IMO

@DanielJenks89: Unless netting is put up between lower and upper, this decision is poor

@ian_safc_1974: Wrong decision for me. Stadium was designed for them to be in south stand. Move them back there and it’s creates better atmosphere overnight

@PCoundon1: Very short sighted by the club. My son got hit on the neck by a coin at the last home game, fortunately he was ok but it could have been far worse.

@52CAL: It’s a shame the club didn’t consult the fans. There’s a real problem for families and young fans due to objects thrown in the north and foul language, standing in the south. The away and family stands should have been swapped in my opinion. As a parent it’s disappointing.

@SR4OnTour: This is so confusing to me, there is an obvious lack of atmosphere at the SOL sometimes and changing where the away fans are will improve it significantly. It’s hard to banter the opposing fans or respond to there chants when they are in the heavens. #Safc

@GeorgeMJHorsley: Shite decision IMO. Away fans in SE corner, keep south stand and SW corner for atmosphere, move family stand to the already placid and newly safe north end. Cheap/Lazy option leaving them in the gods. Another season of shot atmosphere pending #SAFC

@joey__burton__: Would love to know what changed between now and December. Don’t agree with this at all, it’s a matter of time before somebody gets seriously hurt by the away fans being up there – and it only takes one idiot to cause something massive.

@alfiemeek1: Library again for another season by the looks of it

@FulwelI: Love how the health and safety officers stopped a card tifo display, but refuse to actually address a serious issue with the away fans in the north upper stand. A literal safety issue and ruins the atmosphere. Stupid decision