View: Sunderland must heed fan concerns as official statement released
Sunderland released a statement (30 October) regarding their desire to have a full stadium after the final whistle at home games.
The topic of early leavers has been one that has lasted seasons at Wearside and there has consistently been two sides to the argument.
Many hold the opinion that to be a true supporter, you have to stay until the end while others believe you are entitled to do whatever you like after paying the money.
The statement on Sunderland’s X account covers various aspects of the club but it was the topic of early leavers that attracted the most attention.
Why do people leave Sunderland games early?
Ultimately, supporters will all have their own reason for leaving games early and while some may not, it is something Sunderland have expressed an interest in understanding so that they can attempt to change that.
Everyone is completely entitled to do whatever they choose.
The difference between a few minutes before the end and not, can be the difference between getting home within 30 minutes or two hours.
Some people will need that extra time. Whether it be for work arrangements, family arrangements or anything else that could be affected,
Many supporters will understand the lack of clarity that has been provided over the years for those who park at the stadium. A statement released by the club in September 2023 states: “Vehicles will not be able to access the stadium site from 30 minutes prior to kick off until the fixture in question has started, with the stadium site once again locking down 30 minutes before the final whistle.”
Which is far from the actual procedure. Gates are closed AS the final whistle is blown and often they won’t be reopened for up to an hour after the game has finished. Add that to the hectic amount of traffic that a typical matchday brings, it is simply not worth the extra few minutes in the ground to be delayed by nearly two hours for many.
With that in mind, there seems little incentive to stay to the very end which, granted, there doesn’t necessarily need to be.
What can be done? Possibly, not much.
On a selfish note, the car parking arrangements could be changed. Supporter safety is obviously paramount but a different route for those on foot to those in vehicles? Clear and accurate communication would be a fantastic start.
An on-pitch interview after the game? Discounted food and drink after the final whistle?
There will never be a way to eradicate the concern but there are various things that could be done to help encourage people to stay to the very end.
One thing that is important to understand is that leaving a game before someone else doesn’t make you less of a supporter. We are all Sunderland ’til we die.
In other Sunderland news, Regis Le Bris and Sunderland have pulled off a “shrewd” piece of business with the signing of Aaron Connolly, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley
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