Why Away Fans Are Not Positioned Close to the Pitch at Newcastle and Sunderland

A Journey for Fans

Football supporters are known for their dedication, often traveling great distances to cheer on their teams. However, this commitment reaches a new level at Newcastle United and Sunderland, where getting to the away seating areas involves a considerable trek.

The approach to the away sections at both stadiums has become a part of local lore, with fans ascending countless steps to their seats. However, under Premier League regulations, away sections should not be the sole areas reserved for visiting fans.

Prior to the 2017-18 season, clubs agreed to designate at least one block of pitchside seating for visiting fans in a bid to improve matchday atmosphere. At that time, the then Premier League executive chairman, Richard Scudamore, emphasized the importance of fostering an energetic environment where away and home fans could interact when goals were scored.

Nevertheless, Newcastle received an exemption from this policy when they returned to the top tier of English football in 2017. This exemption was further extended into the 2018-19 season and remains in place.

For Sunderland, this marks their first season back in the Premier League since the implementation of the away fan rule. The club may need to relocate their away section in time for the 2026-27 season unless they receive a similar exemption.

Alternative Approaches

While teams like West Ham have fans situated at the rear of the stadium, they still allocate space for visiting supporters closer to the pitch. Any alteration of away fan locations must be sanctioned by the Premier League and local authorities.

Why Have the Clubs Maintained Their Current Arrangements?

The logistical challenges of relocating away fans could be substantial, requiring the displacement of around 3,000 season ticket holders at both clubs. Both stadiums are already equipped to assist disabled supporters, featuring lift access and new safe-standing areas.

At Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, the away section was moved from the South Stand in the 2011-12 season to enhance the atmosphere. A Newcastle City Council representative indicated that this decision was made to prioritize safety by ensuring a structured flow of supporters exiting the venue, as away fans are segregated during their departure.

“The decision was supported by local authorities and emergency services as part of the Safety Advisory Group, and was accepted by the Premier League,” they explained.

Following Sunderland’s successful play-off campaign, leaders from the Sunderland City Council and the Safety Advisory Group agreed to retain the current designation for away fans, citing safety and operational benefits.

Officials at the Stadium of Light have implemented measures designed to enhance security, such as prohibiting items like coins and vapes to prevent them from being thrown into the home fans’ area.

However, some argue that maintaining this arrangement gives both clubs an edge, as the distance of away fans from the action can dilute their impact on the atmosphere.

Although this regulation pertains only to league matches, clubs retain the option to house away fans in alternate locations during FA Cup or Carabao Cup matches. For example, Manchester City place visiting fans entirely in the upper tier of the south stand.

In many top European leagues, it’s also common for away supporters to find themselves located far from the pitch, as seen in facilities like Real Madrid’s Bernabeu and Milan’s San Siro.

What Might Come Next for the Clubs?

The administrative teams at Newcastle are currently assessing the possibility of a new stadium, which would prompt a thorough review of the allocated areas for visiting fans.

In April, Sunderland’s chief business officer mentioned the intention to consult with supporters regarding any changes, acknowledging the potential dissatisfaction from altering long-held season ticket positions.

Is this trend something that other clubs might replicate? Discussions are ongoing.

In 2022, Brighton CEO Paul Barber hinted at considering a redesign of their away section. “We cannot position away fans above home supporters, which Newcastle manages to do,” he noted. “I’ll be reaching out to former Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth to seek clarity on this.”

Their plans will depend on the cooperation of security and support services to explore feasible modifications moving forward.