Sunderland's Capital One Cup Game Moved

17 October 2013, 10:20 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The date of Sunderland's last 16 home tie against Southampton has been moved because of fears over safety.

Northumbria Police made their case to The Football League because they were worried about Sunderland playing at home on the same night as Newcastle United in the competition.

They were also concerned about how close the game was to the Wear-Tyne derby, on the 27th of October.

The Football League, who oversee fixture scheduling for the competition, has therefore requested that Sunderland's game is moved to the following week.

The fixture will now be played on Wednesday 6th November, kick-off 7:45pm.

Sunderland AFC's commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said:
"We have agreed to move the game with great reluctance, as we know the impact this could have on supporters and appreciate and thank them for their understanding in this matter."

The Football League's Chief Operating Officer, Andy Williamson, added:
"It is never ideal for a match to be dated and then moved at relatively short notice. Nonetheless, we have listened to the representations made by the Police on this matter and have agreed that it is in the wider public interest to re-arrange this match. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes for supporters."

Supporters are advised that any tickets purchased will remain valid for the new date.