Police Advice for North-East Derby This Wednesday (8th February 2012)
By Cleveland Police published 8 February, 2012 No CommentsThis Wednesday (8th February) will see Middlesbrough host Sunderland in a 4th Round FA Cup replay at the Riverside Stadium. The fixture is a local derby and is the first time the teams have met at the Riverside since 2009 and it is to be televised on ITV.
As a result, a large crowd is expected and Sunderland has provided free coach transport to its 4, 200 ticket holders for the match.
The coaches involved will leave the Stadium of Light in convoy between 5pm and 6pm before kick off at 7.45pm.
Police are warning that due to the size and nature of the convoy there is likely to be some disruption to major roads, especially to the A19 southbound and A66 westbound in the period before kick off. Following the match the convoy will return to Sunderland although we believe the impact on local roads will be lesser due to the time of day.
Road users are asked to remain patient and exercise additional care if they come into contact with the convoy as the vehicles involved will have varying speeds and capabilities. Drivers should take special care when thinking of overtaking coaches.
Roads around the Riverside Stadium, particularly Dockside Road and The Leeway, may be especially congested at times with both vehicles and pedestrians.
All spectators attending the Middlesbrough v Sunderland FA Cup Replay should be aware that the club car park and section of road directly to the rear of the South Stand will be closed and secured by fencing after the match for use by Sunderland coaches and minibuses. There will be no vehicle or pedestrian access through this area until ‘away’ coaches have left the stadium.
Sunderland fans will be asked to remain in the stadium for approximately 20 minutes after the game.
However, anyone leaving the East or West Stands and intending to walk towards the town centre or Navigation Public House will not be able to take a route that crosses behind the South Stand. If necessary, they should walk around the outside of the North Stand to continue their journey.
Boro supporters are asked to consider this information when travelling to and from the Riverside.
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