Sunderland’s pre-season campaign gets underway this weekend as they face local non-league side Gateshead at the Gateshead International Stadium.
The Black Cats have advertised the date and time on their website this morning, but have stressed that supporters should not turn up, in line with current guidance from the government on social distancing measures. Doors at the stadium will not be open to the public, as the club stress.
“In line with the latest advice from the Government and the EFL, spectators will not be able to attend the fixture. Whilst we understand supporters’ desire to support the team, we ask that all fans respect and follow the safety measures put in place and do not travel to the stadium under any circumstances,” said the official statement.
Whilst advertising the game and then telling people not to come might seem a little nonsensical, that doesn’t seem to be the major concern for Black Cats fans. Many of their League One rivals have already started their pre-season campaigns, and have been signing players regularly. Phil Parkinson is still looking for recruits, having lost seven players over the summer.
Currently, only Aiden O’Brien and Bailey Wright have signed for the Black Cats leaving fans a little concerned that their side is lightweight, with just over three weeks to go until the season kicks off. That seems to be the crux of their issues on social media when replying to the club’s Gateshead announcement, as you’ll see below.
Have you tried out latest Sunderland sticker quiz?
| [freshpress-quiz id=”13361″] |
We’re gunna get bounced hahaha
— Adam (@FulwelI) August 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/Jamestweddell/status/1296025104175046657
Do we even have a starting 11 to field?
— Jake (@ThisIsJakeJ) August 19, 2020
Barely 🤣🤣
— Andrew Malcolmson (@podmundo) August 19, 2020
About our level in truth 🤣🤣
— Andrew Malcolmson (@podmundo) August 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/zCeadith/status/1296023934203297793
https://twitter.com/KINGMAGUIRE1/status/1296025233565024257
