NEWCASTLE fans have been forced to queue up for buses at St James’ Park a whopping FOUR HOURS before their North East Derby with Sunderland.
The bitter rivals will meet this afternoon for the first time in EIGHT YEARS in a tasty FA Cup third-round tie at the Stadium of Light.
Their eagerly-anticipated showdown is one of five early kick-offs today, with their clash getting underway at 12:45pm.
But the travelling Toon Army have already been up since the early hours of the morning.
As they’ve done for several derbies down the years, police have made away fans turn up to St James’ to take buses to the Stadium of Light.
The supporters will then slowly be ferried over to the ground in time for kick-off.
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The measure was introduced to prevent trouble between rival fans.
Footage of Newcastle supporters queuing up at St James’ Park early this morning went viral on several social media platforms.
One Magpies fan shared a video of a line stretching all the way from the Jackie Milburn reception to beyond the statue of club icon Alan Shearer outside the ground.
Their accompanying caption read: “08:21 in Newcastle, this is actually insane.”
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Several footie fans were left shocked by the scenes, with one commenting: “Living in a police state now.
“Is this how “customers” are treated now? Disgrace.”
Another said: “The police get away with absolute whatever they want when it comes to football.
“Show me any other industry in the country where paying customers are treated like criminals.”
And another sad: “Incredible.”
One remarked: “Absolutely INSANE, that.”
Another chimed in: “This is totally unpractical and a waste of everyone’s time!
“Fans should be able to travel as they like.”
One Newcastle fan said: “People don’t realize how mental this derby is.
“Got to get a bus provided by the club 4 hours before KO for a 14-mile trip or you’re not going
“Changed local rules on alcohol/public transport. Biggest derby in the country.”
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The last North East Derby ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Aleksandr Mitrovic and Jermaine Defoe ensuring the spoils were shared.
Sunderland were the last winners of the derby in October 2015, beating their bitter rivals 3-0.
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Chisanga Malata
