Sunderland Echo

Just the ticket from SAFC fans

CHAIRMAN PRAISES KIND CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA

- By Ross Gregory ross.gregory@jpimedia.co.uk Twitter: @sunderland­echo

Sunderland supporters are planning to help the less fortunate over the festive period by buying them tickets to a home fixture.

A clutch of the Black Cats’ faithful proposed the idea on social media, suggesting that fans could purchase tickets for the Boxing Day fixture against Bradford City and then distribute them to those who may otherwise be unable to attend.

Sunderland executive director Charlie Methven has set an attendance target of 40,000 for the festive fixture, which traditiona­lly attracts a large crowd.

And supporters hope this

“Simply the greatest set of supporters” STEWART DONALD

gesture will help with hitting the ambitious target while simultaneo­usly providing a memorable experience for families in the area.

Club chairman Stewart Donald has now urged supporters to help support the initiative, while praising Sunderland fans for their generosity.

“Everyone getting behind our target is great but to see @Sunderland­AFC offering to buy fans tickets who either can’t afford to go or deserve a ticket is amazing,” he tweeted.

“We have had lots of offers from @Sunderland­AFC fans backing this.

“Simply the greatest set of supporters. This is absolutely the kind of club we want.”

Donald also confirmed that he will be backing the initiative himself by purchasing tickets for supporters.

Supporters wishing to contribute tickets themselves can register their interest in doing so by email Chris Waters on chris.waters@safc.com.

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