As petty as it seems, it should 100% be reciprocated when they come here. I hate the idea of bubble trips but they can't be allowed to have the freedom of travelling to a game in any way they like when we are being denied that.

And I love how much that would completely fuck over the Durham Mags and Hartlepool Mags. Actually, making the Hartlepool Mags go to Newcastle for a game up the A19 makes me smile so yes, definitely bubble the fuck out of them

RAWA Statement on the Proposed Tyne–Wear Derby Bubble

A bubble match means away fans cannot get their ticket unless they travel on the official, police‑escorted coaches. No choice of transport, no freedom to plan your day. It places blanket restrictions on thousands of ordinary supporters. This would be the first bubble in the history of the Tyne–Wear derby, imposed after a fixture with only three arrests and described by police as “largely without incident.” There has been no consultation with supporters at any point in the seven months since that game.

Red and White Army is extremely concerned that such a drastic and restrictive measure has been pushed through without proper evidence, without meaningful engagement, and without any attempt to work with supporters on a proportionate plan.

The SAG minutes released this week raise serious questions. They show that concerns from the March derby were discussed, but they do not show any detailed evidence pack, incident data, intelligence summary or formal risk assessment being shared. The meeting appears to have centred almost entirely on a managed coach operation, with no alternative options formally presented, tested or compared. Supporter consultation didn’t happen before the recommendation was made, and “engagement” was only mentioned as something to do afterwards.

There is no sign of a balanced assessment of risk. Issues linked to independent travel were noted, but there is nothing to show these were weighed against the risks introduced by a compulsory coach operation. There is no distinction between different types of supporters, despite acknowledging that the vast majority behave responsibly. And there is nothing to show that targeted, less restrictive measures were even considered before deciding a bubble was the only answer.

Prior to receiving the SAG minutes (obtained via a Freedom of Information request), RAWA, the clubs, NUST and the FSA produced a detailed mitigation document. It sets out practical, proportionate steps covering behaviour, travel, stadium operations and policing. These include enhanced voluntary coach travel, managed rail options, alternative walking routes with larger buffer zones, targeted deployment at known congregation points, and strong fan‑led communications. Together, these measures offer a workable, collaborative approach that tackles the risks identified without removing supporter choice.

We have asked Northumbria Police to reassess the decision in light of these mitigations and the clear gaps in the SAG process. So far, they have refused to do so.

David Rose, Vice Chair of RAWA and Deputy CEO of the Football Supporters’ Association, said:

“A bubble is a backwards step for football policing. It strips away supporter freedoms, applies blanket restrictions to thousands of law‑abiding fans, and ignores a decade of progress in how high‑risk fixtures are managed. Supporters deserve better.”

Based on the information released to date, RAWA does not believe the case has been made that a compulsory bubble is necessary, proportionate or justified. We continue to urge Northumbria Police and partner agencies to revisit the decision and work with supporters and clubs on a safer, more balanced plan that respects both safety and supporter rights.

Supporters remain ready to work constructively with all stakeholders. What we need now is a willingness from Northumbria Police to do the same.

Supporters can read the full detail in the two documents linked below:

Joint Mitigation Proposal (RAWA, SAFC, NUFC, NUST, FSA)

RAWA Summary of SAG Minutes and Key Concerns

Please head over to our website for the full set of documents relating to the Safety Advisory Group Meeting.
redandwhitearmy.co.uk/post/rawa-stat…

@SunderlandAFC @NUFC @nufctrust @ALS_Fanzine @WiseMenSayPod @KiMcGuinness @JamesCopley_

Sunderland outscored Chelsea on xG so maybe the difference maker was Chelsea's keeper...

I will be on @wearetrackradio tomorrow wanging on about SAFC with @VassosA, tune in from 9am

REACTION | SAFC 1-0 CHELSEA

@GoldyWMS is in the press box and @eleanor_amc is with @1Easterbrook down Sheepfolds as Sunderland get back to winning ways

#SAFC

wisemensay.co.uk/reaction-sunde…

Hope they throw the booky wook at him

𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 | 𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐎 𝐙𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐁 (𝐇)

Richard is joined by @CroatiaFooty as we find out what to expect from MD4 opponents Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday

#SAFC

wisemensay.co.uk/europa-preview…

My thoughts re RLB for what it’s worth. I’m stunned that he’s kept the same shape and same approach for every PL match, after being so fluid before now. When he was appointed the @LaTavarn lads said he was stubborn but he’d not shown any of that in his first two seasons.

Yet everything now is so predictable. He’s not done anything to positively change a game this season and we look like we’re treading water.

I’d hate for him to be sacked but he needs to find that spark that made him hot property on Wearside. And quickly.

Newcastle City Council: "Newcastle has become a true music city".

I thought their bid failed?

#sunderlandisamusiccity

bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝟎-𝟐 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐎𝐍

Eleanor and Richard react as Sunderland are beaten at home by 10-man Brighton

#SAFC

wisemensay.co.uk/reaction-sunde…

Latest AI slop knocking about on Facebook.

We’ll never forget “Brantoghan” or “Glenn Donien”

#SAFC

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 | 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐎𝐍 (𝐇) 𝐰/ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄

@1Easterbrook is joined by @TheBrightonBase to look ahead to Saturday's Premier League clash

#SAFC

WATCH: youtube.com/watch?v=GPIAPr…
LISTEN: wisemensay.co.uk/preview-bright…

Bookmarking this

Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John

Latest Sunderland slop landing on Instagram, "a timeless shirt" to mark our record PL points total, an AI reimagining of Enzo and Granit, and the chef's kiss of the Tyne Bridge in the background. Class work all round

"£25 pounds"

Covid was a shit time all round. People lost family members. People lost their jobs. The effects of the pandemic are still being felt.

Whatever Granit felt about having the jab, it's his decision.

Celebrating it is just a bit pathetic though

Giving this another plug. The Athletic have shown how Sunderland can - and should - be covered by the national media. Proper in-depth stuff.

What else would you expect from a WMS alumnus? 😉