On Sunday 4 August 2024, NUST wrote to both Newcastle United and The North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, with our concerns around supporter safety for the Sela Weekender, taking place on Friday 9 August and continuing into Saturday 10 August 2024.
You can read Kim's emailed response to us here.
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your email. I totally understand the concerns of families and supporters. I am in constant contact with Northumbria Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and government to ensure the North East has what it needs to keep people safe.
In terms of this weekend, I can confirm:
· A robust policing plan is in place and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer on duty.
· A robust policing presence has been prepared. Officer leave has been cancelled and resources redeployed to ensure officers are out and visible in our communities to keep you safe.
· There will be a lot of misinformation on social media and a lot of hatred being circulated about the root causes of this violent disorder. We’d ask people to look to their local leaders, officers and trusted new sources for updates and information.
· I am working with Nexus and the police to ensure people feel safe on public transport.
· Myself along with the city council and police and crime commissioner are bringing the community together at 4pm today. I did make sure you were on the invite list, so you now should have received the details and I hope you are able to come together and join us.
I hope this provides some reassurance to you and supporters, and that you are able to enjoy the game. I am determined that rioters and vandals will not get in the way of people enjoying their weekends.
You can also read my most recent statement here.
“Our North East is accepting, kind and proud – the appalling behaviour of a violent minority seen in the last few days will never represent us.
“I am aware of reports that far-right groups may further target our communities today and throughout this week. My message to them is simple – do not. These are not protests, they are not peaceful. You are not welcome.
“The targeting of Muslim and minority communities is disgraceful. But in the North East we look after our neighbours and racism and prejudice will not be tolerated. If you choose to take part in violent disorder in our region there will be severe consequences.
“As your Mayor, I have been in contact with Downing Street and the Police about the national and regional response and in recent days, alongside council colleagues we’ve met with community and faith leaders and businesses in our region and will continue to do so in the coming days to provide reassurance that their concerns are being heard.
“What we have seen in our streets already has left many feeling scared, angry and upset. Right now I call for people not to act on those feelings negatively but to do so in peace and with kindness to all our communities firm in the knowledge that those taking part in this targeted, right wing violence and thuggery will face the full force of the law.”
Warm regards
Kim
