𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 / 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐄𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖

Richard, Stephen and Jonathan look back at whatever that was last night, and we look ahead to the Chelsea match

#SAFC

wisemensay.co.uk/europa-reactio…

An explanation for this would be nice

It would seem Northumbria Police will not reassess their decision to impose a full bubble trip for the Tyne–Wear derby and the reality of this decison kicks in. Sunderland supporters are now expected to report to the Stadium of Light at 9am for a 2pm kick‑off at a stadium just 12 miles away. Some fans will travel from north of Tyneside down to Sunderland only to be taken straight back up again on escorted coaches, before being forced to return to Sunderland after the match.

Over recent weeks, RAWA, Sunderland AFC, Newcastle United, NUST and the FSA have worked intensively behind the scenes to offer a safer, more proportionate alternative. We produced a detailed mitigation plan covering behaviour, travel, stadium operations and policing. We asked Northumbria Police to look again at their position. We highlighted the gaps in the SAG process. We pointed out the complete absence of supporter consultation in the seven months since the last derby. Despite all of this, Northumbria Police have refused to reconsider. We still have not seen a convincing explanation for why a bubble is needed. It leaves fans wondering if this is an exercise in cost cutting and convenience.

We at RAWA are gutted for the travelling Sunderland fans who will be impacted by this, and we have no doubt that these arrangements will be reciprocated for Newcastle fans for the return fixture. Where do we go from here?

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

It’s not on this. Actually just get us sleeping on the buses the night before to be sure eh. Poor by the police.

Also, the #SAFC team bus was hit with missiles last season. How does this procedure protect the away fans from the same thing happening to their buses?

Morning

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_

MONDAY POD | With Lee Howey

Boy did #safc need that.

⚽️ Brobbey unplayable
⚽️ Talbi back in the team
⚽️ Xhaka stuff OTT?

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Website: wisemensay.co.uk

Can't get injured on international duty if they're injured already

Lee Howey is joining us on the pod later.

Any thoughts/questions on the match or the general state of play for #safc ?

@howey_lee

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…

It’s just funny at this point how the rest of the PL teams are covered when they dare to beat one of the so called big six.

Absolutely chuffed for Regis like. Zagreb has to be the bottom, put that effort in for the rest of the season and #safc will be alright

It was starting to look like a new voice in the dressing room might be needed to snap them into action but I hope this the moment things change

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…

Big half and another needed. Same commitment and energy please.

Haway Regis and the lads. #safc

Have to be scoring those lads.

The silence comes after The Last Post - they didn’t really signpost this in the stadium last season so worth noting this

“You’re back early love, match that bad?”
“I don’t want to talk about it. Oh, and don’t watch the news.”

Fair play 👏

Had a response from the club on this. The cordon was not planned but put in place by police after Zagreb supporters deviated from the original plan to march from the city centre (1/x)

Club said they and police didn’t plan for this and weren’t anticipating the Zagreb fans coming in from that direction (intelligence had suggested they were meeting in city centre and marching from there)

The club appreciate they could have done more regarding communication and will work to review this with multi agency partners going forward, and apologise for any inconvenience and frustration