Open Letter to Kim McGuinness, Mayor of North East From the Red and White Army Supporters’ Trust (RAWA) and the Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust (NUST)

Kim,

As the supporter trusts at Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United, we are writing jointly to express our concern and disappointment at the decision to impose bubble‑match travel restrictions on the upcoming Tyne–Wear derby. This is an unprecedented step. It will be the only Premier League fixture subject to bubble restrictions, setting aside the FA Cup anomaly in 2024, it is the first bubble in the long history of the Tyne–Wear derby. Such a significant departure demands clear justification. It sends a message that our region cannot safely host its most high‑profile football fixture without resorting to the most extreme crowd‑control measures available. In short, it’s not a good look for the North East.

No Consultation With Supporters

A key concern is that this decision was made without any consultation with supporters. Neither trust or any other supporter group was approached, informed, or invited to contribute. Fans only learned of the bubble once it had already been decided. For a measure that affects thousands of ordinary supporters (their travel, costs, and matchday experience) this lack of engagement is unacceptable.

Where Is the Evidence? What Has Changed?

The known facts do not support the need for a bubble match:

● At the last Tyne–Wear fixture, there were only three arrests.

● Northumbria Police publicly praised supporter conduct, noting that the overwhelming majority behaved responsibly.

Given this, the sudden introduction of a bubble raises fundamental questions:

● What has changed in supporter behaviour?

● What has changed in policing capability or resourcing?

● What new evidence or intelligence has emerged?

● Do both clubs support the bubble approach?

Without transparency, supporters cannot understand why such a restrictive measure is now deemed necessary. Bubble matches punish every supporter for the actions of a tiny minority and significantly alter the matchday experience for thousands who have done nothing wrong.

A Request for Your Support

Kim, supporters across the region need clarity. We are asking for your support in helping us obtain answers to the questions fans rightly expect to be addressed, as so far we have not been provided with the information from the SAG, Police or the Clubs:

● What evidence underpins this decision?

● What risk assessments or advisory reports were used?

● Why were supporters excluded from the process?

● Do Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United endorse the bubble?

● What has changed to make this necessary now?

We are not asking for safety risks to be ignored. We are asking for decisions to be proportionate, evidence‑based, and made with the involvement of those most affected.

RAWA and NUST stand ready to work constructively with all authorities to ensure the fixture is safe, well‑managed, and worthy of our region. But supporters must be part of the conversation, not informed after the fact.

We ask for your support in helping fans understand how and why this decision was reached.

Red and White Army Supporters’ Trust (RAWA)

Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust (NUST)