Safety first, says Coleman
Chris Coleman says safety comes first and he understands the reasons behind Sunderland closing cash turnstiles for the remaining home games to keep out Newcastle fans.
Coleman insists the Newcastle fans he has met since taking charge at Sunderland have been “fantastic” but he understands the reasons behind the move.
There had been suggestions on social media that Newcastle supporters may try to gain entry to the Stadium of Light to celebrate Sunderland’s potential relegation to League One, with the Black Cats six points adrift.
Cash turnstiles were closed for Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City, with reports some Newcastle fans were stopped from entering the stadium at the club ticket office.
The cash turnstiles will remain closed for the last two home games against Burton a week on Saturday and the season finale against Wolves on May 6.
Any Newcastle fans looking to attend either of those games will be turned away.
Anyone wanting to buy tickets will need to have a purchase history and must do so from the box office.
Coleman, speaking ahead of the Reading trip, said: “I totally see the security side of it, I get why and obviously after liaising with the police they have to listen to them, I understand why they would do that because safety has to come first.”
“I totally see the security side of it, I get why” CHRIS COLEMAN