SUNDERLAND fans will be kept back at the end of Sunday’s (April 14) Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park.

To get supporters out of St James' Park safely, officers are asking fans to wait in the stadium for a short time after the final whistle.

Northumbria Police says the holdback time will be kept to a minimum. Turnstiles will open at 10am and fans will have access to full catering facilities.

After full time, the fans will be allowed into the bar areas where they will have access to refreshments and facilities. They will be asked to wait until the area outside of the ground is clear of Newcastle fans.

Then they will be able to leave the ground and make their way to their transport.

Operations Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, said: "We are asking supporters to work with us and stay back for a short period of time after the game - this allows us time to clear the area outside for us to safely escort the Sunderland fans from the stadium.

"We have carried out holdbacks of supporters in the past, including at the previous derby match at the Stadium of Light, and they have worked well - the majority of fans fully understand why we do it and are co-operative with officers and stewards.

"The facilities will be open so it's as comfortable as possible for the waiting Sunderland fans and we will bring supporters down and escort them safely to the free coaches or their alternative transport.

"We would ask that supporters work with police and stewards, remain patient and understand that we are doing everything we can to make sure everyone gets home safely."

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