Shedding a tier at still no crowds

SUNDERLAND’S players are as disappointed as the supporters by the decision to continue excluding supporters from the Stadium of Light, according to Phil Parkinson.

The Government has announced that when the current national lockdown ends on December 2 different regions of the country will be classified into three tiers according to the Covid-19 risk in their area - with clubs in Tier One and Tier Two areas allowed limited numbers of fans back into grounds.

In Tier One areas, the areas at lowest risk, up to 4,000 fans would be allowed to watch games, while in Tier Two areas number would be capped at 2,000.

Sunderland, like the rest of the North East, will go into Tier Three restrictions when the national lockdown is lifted, which means games must continue to be staged behind closed doors.

Parkinson said: “It is disappointing because we had hoped, come the run-up to Christmas, we would start getting supporters back into the ground.

“Like everyone else, though, we just have to take the disappointment of the decision and move on.

“All football fans will have been missing the matchday experience - supporters meet their mates and have a drink before the game, it is all part of it, and it cannot happen at the moment.

“Myself and the players, we miss the atmosphere at games.

“The players are disappointed. The great thing about playing for a club like Sunderland is the support you get at the Stadium of Light on a matchday, it is terrific.

“We have really missed that in terms of the adrenaline pumping through your body when you are at the ground and throughout the game.”