The club have been weighing up their options ahead of the 2026/27 season and beyond
Sunderland have confirmed their attention to keep away fans housed in the North Stand Upper for the foreseeable future.
Travelling supporters have been situation in the upper tier of the Stadium of Light for a number of years, but Premier League rules require at least part of the away section to be pitch side. However, exceptions can be made and Sunderland have confirmed their intention to apply for an extended exemption beyond this season.
It has been a longstanding debate amongst Sunderland fans, with some of the belief that having the away side by the pitch is beneficial for the overall atmosphere – though promotion back to the top tier and the team’s success has perhaps lessened those concerns.
At a recent meeting of the club’s supporter collective, key members of the club hierarchy met with representatives of various fan groups and confirmed thei rintention to secure an exemption based on safety grounds. Key to their case will be the risk of supporters crossing over as they arrive and leave the ground. Club figures said the decision was ‘fully supported’ by the club’s safety advisory group.
The minutes from the meeting read: “The Club commissioned an independent assessor to provide expert advice on the appropriate positioning of away supporters within the stadium. Following this assessment, the Club has submitted a formal proposal to the Premier League requesting dispensation to retain away fans in their current location on safety grounds.
“Any relocation would materially increase the risk of supporter crossover in the external footprint of the stadium, particularly during ingress and egress, thereby heightening safety and security
concerns. This position is fully supported by the Sunderland Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which has reviewed the
proposal and concurs with the Club’s assessment.”
Sunderland would not be the only side in the Premier League with such an exemption, as Newcastle United have been granted one since their promotion back to the top tier.
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Elsewhere in the meeting, Sunderland also confirmed that they wanted to increase the safe-standing offering at the Stadium of Light. Since its introduction in the Roker End, the standing option is deemed to have been a success and options are being explored to offer more chance for fans to take up the scheme.
The minutes read: “The Club also reiterated its desire to extend and expand safe standing provision at the Stadium of Light. Safe standing has been well received and is seen as a positive development for supporter experience. While there are logistical and operational challenges to be addressed, the Club remains committed to
exploring options to increase provision where feasible.”
The full minutes from the meeting can be read here.