Supporters from both Newcastle United and Sunderland have come together over the 'bubble' decision for December's match

Newcastle United and Sunderland supporters have come together to appeal to North East mayor Kim McGuinness over the decision to make December's Tyne-Wear derby a 'bubble' match.

The two rivals will meet for the first time this season on Sunday, December 6 at St James' Park, but it was revealed last week that Sunderland fans will not be able to make their own way to the stadium.

Instead, mandatory coach travel has been imposed on those heading to match from Wearside, with supporters attending the game only being allowed to travel by official transport services from the Stadium of Light.

It is a move which has angered both sets of supporters, particularly after Northumbria Police confirmed the same fixture last season had 'passed largely without incident'.

Now the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and the Red and White Army Supporters’ Trust have come together to write a joint letter to Kim McGuinness in the hope she can intervene.

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The letter begins: "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.

"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."

The letter goes on to ask on what evidence the policing of the fixture was changed and ask whether the clubs support the move.

"Without transparency, supporters cannot understand why such a restrictive measure is now deemed necessary," they wrote. "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."

They have appealed to McGunness to help gain some some clarity over the decision, and insist they are willing to work with the authorities to ensure a safe solution can be found.

"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."

While no decision has been announced about the return fixture at the Stadium of Light, currently scheduled for May 1, 2027, a similar move could be in place for Newcastle United fans heading to Wearside.