Mackems Get Tough On Owls

Wednesday fans thinking of going to the Sunderland away match later this month may have to think again after the Black Cats slapped a limit on ticket sales due to fans standing at games.

Wednesday fans will be given just 2,700 tickets for the trip to the Stadium of Light on Saturday 30 September after reports of continuous standing from Wednesday fans at away grounds accross the country.

And it's unlikely that officials at Hillsborough will be able to persuade Sunderland to hand over any more tickets after the Wearsiders slapped similar bans on Manchester United and Leeds United in recent years, despite Sunderland only being able to fill just under half their stadium capacity.

Fellow Championship club Cardiff City will also be restricted to just 1,500 tickets following similar reports, and the Black Cats are also expected to do the same to travelling Leeds United fans later this year.

Sunderland, Sunderland Council and local police have taken the decision after receiving numerous warnings from the Government over persistent standing at games four years ago.

Sunderland council bosses told the Shield Gazzette: 'The action of fans standing in seated areas is recognised as a major safety concern as it introduces the risk of injury to spectators and others from falls surging and crushes.

'The action also impacts upon customer care issues as spectators behind standing fans have no other option but to do likewise.'

Wednesday had already been made aware of travelling fans standing at games according to an Owls spokesperson. And it's likely there will be a rush for tickets when sales commence on Monday to season ticket holders.

Do you believe Sunderland are correct in restricting the number of tickets for Owls fans? What are YOUR views on standing at mathes? Have YOUR say on the official Vital Sheffield Wednesday forum by CLICKING HERE

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.