A Supporters’ Collective meeting was held at Sunderland earlier in October, with the contents of the meeting having now been published.
Per the Sunderland club website, ‘Members of the Club’s leadership team attended alongside representatives from the Red and White Army, Branch Liaison Council, and Senior Supporters’ Association’ earlier in October.
The club has also shared the log from said meeting which you can read here, also sharing a more streamlined summary of the main talking points on X.
One topic was with regards to ‘early leavers’ at the Stadium of Light, with the club posting on X:
Sunderland fans all in agreement over ‘early leavers’ at the Stadium of Light
Needless to say, this particular topic raised a bit of debate on social media, with the overwhelming majority of Sunderland fans in favour of combating the issue.
Given the Black Cats’ fine form under Regis Le Bris this season, few can understand why there’s so many leaving the Stadium of Light early on matchdays.
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One Sunderland fan posted: “Absolutely needs addressing, especially when the team’s doing so well the players deserve a round of applause at the end.”
Another added: “Will never change and I’ve never understood it. If we are getting absolutely smashed for four or five I get it, I’ve done it, but some fans are leaving 10-15 mins early when a game is in the balance, most backward thing ever.”
And this Sunderland fan also shared a similar view, posting on X: “Obviously everyone has their own opinion on this, but I’m glad the club have raised it as an issue, to see if anything can be done to help reduce it.”
Journalist Michael Graham also weighed in on the matter. He posted: “I’ve never judged anyone for leaving early because I don’t know their circumstances.
“But, honestly, I’ve never really understood it either. Glad the club are seeking some proper research on the matter to see what can be done.”
There will be some who have legitimate reasons to leave games early, though. One fan added on the matter: “It is right to find out, some will have valid reasons, it doesn’t happen at other clubs to the degree it does with us.”
Sunderland eyeing promotion under Regis Le Bris, the players need the fans
With Sunderland sitting pretty in 1st place of the Championship table after their 2-0 win against Oxford United last time out, it’s made for a very positive start to the season, and a very positive atmosphere among fans.
Supporters will no doubt be keen to see the ground full right until the full-time whistle, and it’s clearly something that a lot of fans feel passionately about.
The above fans seem pleased to see that the club is making moves to find a resolution. Though again, there’ll no doubt be plenty with valid reasons to leave games early.
Sunderland return to action against QPR this weekend.