Tyne-Wear derby goes bubble: away fans only on club coaches

Northumbria Police has designated the Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park on 6 December a bubble fixture, meaning Sunderland supporters can only travel to the match on official club coaches. The move affects the more than 2,000 tickets allocated to the visiting side, according to BBC Sport.

The force points to the behaviour of a minority at the March meeting, when missiles and fireworks were thrown into crowds near police horses. Three people were arrested after that game, which Sunderland won 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Bryan Brobbey.

David Rose, vice-chair of the Red and White Army, says fans deserve better and that the blanket restrictions punish thousands of law-abiding supporters. The Newcastle group NUST has backed the protest and asked the police to reconsider.