Premier League: Why Newcastle and Sunderland don't have away fans pitchside


Premier League: Why Newcastle and Sunderland don't have away fans pitchside

The walk up to the away end at both grounds have gained their own folklore, with fans climbing dozens of steps to reach their seats.

But under the Premier League's rules, neither section should be the only area allocated to away fans.

Before the 2017-18 season, clubs agreed to ensure that at least one block of seating for visiting supporters would be pitchside in an attempt to improve atmospheres.

At the time, former Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: "When an away goal is scored, you want that atmosphere and interaction between the two sets of fans."

However, Newcastle were given special dispensation to be excluded from the rule when they were promoted back to the top-flight in 2017. This was extended for a further year during the 2018-19 campaign and has continued ever since.

Sunderland are playing in their first season back in the Premier League since the rule was introduced and therefore could potentially have to relocate their away section before the 2026-27 campaign unless they also get dispensation.

West Ham also seat fans at the back of the London Stadium, but there is a section reserved for supporters pitchside.

Any future decision to move away sections would have to be approved by the individual local authorities.

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