Sunderland aim to keep away fans in North Stand Upper beyond this season | OneFootball

Sunderland intend to keep away supporters in the North Stand Upper at the Stadium of Light for the foreseeable future.

According to Sunderland Echo, Premier League rules require part of the away allocation to be pitch side, but exemptions are permitted and the club want an extended dispensation to retain the current arrangement.

The policy has long divided supporters, with some arguing pitch-side visitors lift the atmosphere. Promotion to the top tier and recent success may have eased those concerns.

At a recent supporters’ collective meeting, senior officials told fan groups they will pursue the exemption on safety grounds, citing the risk of home and away fans crossing outside the ground at entry and exit. The stance is fully backed by the club’s Safety Advisory Group.

An independent assessor was commissioned and a formal request has been lodged with the Premier League to keep away fans in their current location on safety grounds.

Newcastle United already hold a similar exemption following their return to the Premier League.

The club also wants to expand safe standing at the Stadium of Light after the Roker End’s scheme was judged a success. Options are being explored, though logistical and operational challenges remain.

Source: Sunderland Echo