Sunderland issue update on cancelled Tyne-Wear derby tickets after fan group concern | OneFootball

Sunderland have issued an update to supporters after 65 tickets for the recent Tyne-Wear derby were cancelled and put back on sale.

The cancellations were initially explained as breaches of away ticket usage rules, and concerns from fan groups led to further dialogue with the club.

The club said in a statement that it had acted over an exceptional and serious case of ticket misuse. It detailed unauthorised use of supporter accounts without the holders’ knowledge and tickets being used by non-eligible individuals, in breach of rules. In some group purchases this accounted for more than 50%, those involved have acknowledged the misuse and appropriate action has been taken.

The club also acknowledged that some supporters were affected through no fault of their own. It will work with the ticketing supporter subgroup to review and improve processes so away tickets are distributed fairly and only to genuine supporters.

Separately, the Red and White Army thanked Chief Business Officer David Bruce after Sunderland confirmed on Monday that he will leave the club this summer. Non-executive director Tom Burwell has taken over as interim CEO, with a permanent appointment expected this summer. The group highlighted improvements to the matchday experience, retail and the club’s identity at the Stadium of Light during Bruce’s tenure.

Source: Sunderland Echo