Credit: Imago

Alex Charlton

Fri 23 May 2025 13:10, UK

Sunderland are preparing for what could be one of the greatest days in the club’s recent history.

The Black Cats will battle Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium this Saturday (24 May) in the Championship play-off final.

A victory for either side will mean a return to the Premier League, and for the Wearsiders would end an eight-year absence in the process.

With just a day to go to the final, Mackem News can reveal that supporters are facing more ticketing troubles.

Sunderland supporters in ticketing crisis

Given that the Championship play-off final is on Saturday, now is not the time for ticketing problems.

Obtaining tickets for the clash with the Blades has been like trying to gain entry to Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Earlier in the week, Sunderland supporters were left frustrated when Ticketmaster accidentally allowed non-season ticket holders to get hold of tickets.

After that error was amended, the EFL issued a further 1,000 tickets to Sunderland supporters, which were grabbed in quick time.

However, another twist in the ticketing saga has emerged, as the club’s official ticket line is closed today.

Supporters have been in contact with Mackem News, voicing their frustrations at being unable to contact the Wearside club.

This essentially means that fans who are having issues have nobody to speak to, and the phone lines will be closed until Monday.

Mackem News has reached out to Sunderland for a comment.

Wembley set for red and white storm

Trafalgar Square, hold your horses.

Today, Sunderland and Sheffield United supporters will be bearing down on England’s capital, some with tickets, some without.

For the Wearside faithful, they will venture to Trafalgar Square, which has been a popular meeting point the evening before a Wembley final.

The Blades will also make their mark on London, looking to spoil the party at the home of football.

Wembley will be a sea of red and white as the third and fourth best teams in the division compete for a Premier League place.

Sheffield United will certainly go into the game as favourites and will likely dominate the ball for large periods.

It would be unlike Regis Le Bris to ditch his counter-attacking style of play now, but could he spring a tactical surprise in the final?

While ticketing problems threaten to cast a cloud over the famous day, a win would be the perfect tonic.