Sunderland fans are being advised that staff at Wembley Stadium will be taking strong measures to prevent the use of pyrotechnics at the Capital One Cup final on March 2nd.
Pyrotechnics and smoke bombs are strictly prohibited in and around Wembley and police will arrest anyone found in possession of pyrotechnics within the stadium itself, as well as the streets and surrounding areas.
Pyrotechnic detecting dogs will be on duty at the Wembley turnstiles and all supporters, including minors (under 12), will be searched if there is reason to believe they may be in possession of pyrotechnics.
Sunderland AFC stewards will be on duty on the day, working with their colleagues from Wembley to assist with the stewarding operation and in the robust tackling of the illegal use of pyrotechnics.
SAFC head of safety and security, Paul Weir, said: "We want everyone to enjoy the Capital One Cup final and I would urge fans to heed the advice from Wembley. There is no place for pyrotechnics in football and Wembley will take the strongest action possible to ensure the safety of all supporters."
Supporters are reminded that standard Ground Regulations will be in operation at Wembley Stadium for the Capital One Cup final.
These include:
· The use of pyrotechics is strictly prohibited in and around the stadium.
· Wembley is an all-seater stadium.
· Supporters must keep all aisles and gangway areas clear.
· Supporters must keep their match ticket with them at all times and sit in their allocated seat.
· Wembley Stadium is a no-smoking venue.
Sunderland fans are kindly asked to respect the Wembley stewards and staff and to heed any instructions and advice given by them on the day.
Weir added: "We want every Sunderland fan to have a fantastic day at Wembley and to enjoy the whole experience of the Capital One Cup final. Wembley's Ground Regulations very much mirror those at the Stadium of Light so supporters will be well aware of them and we would ask everyone to ensure that they abide by the rules."
Wembley operates an Anti-Social Behaviour text number for supporters to report and incidents of such behaviour anonymously. The number is 87474
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
I know that pyro and smoke bombs are currently quite trendy in English football, but it's not something I personally enjoy seeing. To each their own, of course, but it's surely not worth risking your Wembley experience over. We've never needed pyro to establish the quality of our support before, so see no reason why we do now.
Hopefully on the day, the east side of Wembley will be lit up by Sunderland passion, not pyrotechnics.
There is also a controlled drinking zone in opperation around Wembley, with different pubs assigned to each club. I'm sure there won't be any kind of trouble with the City fans, as to be honest we've always enjoyed a really friendly atmosphere with them. However, for convenience sake it's probably best to familiarise yourself with where you will be allowed into wearing colours before you travel.
The designated pubs for Sunderland fans to use are:
The Torch - 1-5 Bridge Road, Wembley, HA9 9AB
Crock of Gold - 23 Bridge Road, Wembley, HA9 9AB
Moore Spice - Wembley Retail Park, Unit 2, Engineers Way, HA9 0EH
Watkins Folly - 1 Empire Way, Wembley, HA9 0EW
Blue Check Cafe - 12-13 Empire Way, Wembley, HA9 0RQ
Alisan Bar - The Junction, Wembley Retail Park, Engineers Way, HA9 0EG
Crystal Club (Silverspoon) - South Way, Wembley
The Parish - 120 Wembley Park Drive, Wembley, HA9 8HP
First Class Sports Bar - 125 Wembley Park Drive, HA9 8HG
The Wembley Tavern - 121 Wembley Park Drive, HA9 8HG
Powerleague - Olympic Way, Wembley
Cheers Bar - 45 Blackbird Hill, NW9 8RS
Supporters are also advised that any person who is deemed to be drunk will not be permitted access to Wembley, in accordance with ground regulations.
So basically, now we all know the rules/boundaries etc., let the fun times commence!