Tyne and Wear derby: police escort for Sunderland fans and ‘zero tolerance’ warning | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland supporters will have a police-supported escort from Newcastle Central Station to St James’ Park for Sunday 22 March’s Tyne and Wear derby, with authorities warning of zero tolerance towards disorder.

The escort is scheduled to leave at 10.15am, and late arrivals may have to wait for a second escort, risking missing the 12pm kick-off due to safety and ticket checks.

Fans are urged to reach Central Station in good time, where officers will direct them to an assembly point. The plan mirrors December 2025’s reverse fixture in Sunderland, which the Black Cats won 1-0.

The station escort does not affect those on pre-booked coach travel, which will arrive at and depart from St James’ Park.

Public transport will run a Sunday service and is expected to be very busy across bus, rail and Metro, so supporters should plan ahead and allow extra time.

There are no trains towards Newcastle from Durham or Darlington because of engineering work, with limited rail replacement in place and alternative routes advised.

Road closures will operate around Central Station, St James Boulevard and Barrack Road to manage arrivals, alongside cordons and a larger police presence at the stadium and in both city centres. Offenders face criminal prosecution and football banning orders, with clubs also able to take further action.

Source: Sunderland Echo