Ticket reduction for derby match

The ticket allocation is made on police advice

Middlesbrough football fans are to be given a limited allocation of tickets for the Sunderland derby match.

Northumbria Police has advised Sunderland to send Boro only 1,500 tickets for the February 22 fixture, even though Premier League rules allow for a minimum of 3,000.

Police say the decision is linked to Middlesbrough not organising coach travel for their fans.

There has been crowd trouble outside the Stadium of Light after recent fixtures between the two clubs.

'Enjoy game'

Superintendent Paul Weir, in charge with policing at the ground, said he believed any more away fans would compromise safety.

He said: "In the past, and certainly with derby games between Sunderland and Newcastle, and when Sunderland and Newcastle travel to Middlesbrough, the clubs provide free coach travel for their supporters.

"That enables the club to escort them safely to the ground, get them into the ground to enjoy the game, and then they return to their coach.

"For this time there is no organised coach travel for the Middlesbrough supporters."

Rob Nichols, of Middlesbrough fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, said he had not missed a game this season and would be annoyed at not getting a ticket for the Sunderland fixture.

He said: "We pay rates and taxes, it's up to the police to do their job."