More incompetence by SkyOrganisers of the Great North Run and Metro bosses say they are concerned after Sunderland's match against Spurs was moved for TV
Football fans face could be faced with an unenviable choice after TV sport bosses moved Sunderland’s first televised Premier League match of the season to Great North Run day.
The Black Cats home tie against Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light is now scheduled to kick off at 1.30pm on Sunday September 13.
But more than 100,000 people will be only five miles north in South Shields for the end of one of the world’s biggest half marathons - leading to fears that transport systems and police could be overstretched, and that supporters may have to choose between running and raising money for charity or supporting their club.
David Hart, of Great North Run organisers the Great Run Company, said he was concerned about the potential clash.
“We are aware of the Sunderland match being scheduled for the afternoon of the Great North Run and are in contact with the relevant authorities to express our concerns,” he said.
“The last time there was a potential clash was in 2011 and the kick off at the Stadium of Light was subsequently moved back to a 3pm kick off.
“The date for this year’s Great North Run, Britain’s biggest mass participation running event, was announced last September.”
A spokesman for Metro owner Nexus said the clash could mean it was unable to put on extra services to get fans to and from the match.
“The Great North Run is Metro’s busiest day of the year, with 100,000 passengers journeys, which is why we specify extra train services to move people to and from South Shields,” he said.
“Should a Premier League fixture take place at the Stadium of Light on the same day then we would be unable to provide any additional Metro trains for the Sunderland line.
“Metro trains and staff will be fully committed providing safe management of the run and so would be unable to provide those normal additional services and crowd control at Sunderland. Bus companies will also face difficulties due to the strain on the road network.
“There would still be five trains an hours between Pelaw and South Hylton on the day of the game. Trains will be much busier and fans will need to plan their journeys in advance and look out for any extra travel advice in the run up to the game.
“We would welcome further discussions with the Premier League and the broadcaster about the scheduling of this game.”
Many fans took to social media, branding the timing of the match “silly” and “a disgrace.”
“50k plus running. Roads closed. Thousands watching. Poor show and bad planning indeed. Needs changed ASAP,” said Mark Henderson.
Ross Robson agreed: “That’s going to be horrendous for those travelling from Tyneside,” he said.
Assistant Chief Constable Jo Farrell from Northumbria Police, said: “The force raised concerns, on behalf of ourselves and our partners, about the game being held on the same day as the Great North Run, however the Premier League and the club scheduled it as a lunchtime kick off.
“Northumbria Police has limited scope to influence the timing of Premier League Fixtures. The Premier League and the football clubs set them and they can only be changed by the Local Authority if there are significant safety concerns.
“The force is well experienced in policing large scale events and should the fixture go ahead on September 13 the public can be reassured that our officers will be doing all they can to ensure the safety of everyone attending the events.”
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/great-north-run-concerns-sunderland-9583219Super stuff!
