Mackems Claim Toon Stewards 'Too Heavy Handed'!

Last updated : 21 April 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
"Some supporters" told the Sunderland Echo that police were too heavy-handed on Sunderland fans, and that Newcastle fans threw coins at them.

George Smiles, 46, a carer from Farringdon, said: "The policing and stewarding was terrible.

"They wouldn't let us away fans into the toilet and they pushed us into our seats at half-time.

"They treat everyone the same - as if we're all troublemakers."

Emma Parker, 27, a postmistress from Hendon, agreed. "It was abysmal," she said.

Two season ticket holders, Janice Chandler and Joyce Hardy, said the atmosphere in and out of the ground was hostile.

Janice, 31, a drugs action team manager from Ashbrooke, said: "It was very hostile. It's the first time in many matches away that coins were thrown at us."

Joyce, 48, from East Herrington, added: "Our bus was hit by stones as well."

But let's not forget the treatment Toon fans get at the Stadium of Light from such delightful fans in red and white.

Earlier in the seasone were followed out of the ground and, after being spat at and verbally abused (and we had two teenage girls in our company), had our car bricked as we made our getaway.

But we didn't moan to the Sunderland Echo about it!