Source: Daily_Mail
Sunderland face ban from Amsterdam as FA warns of clashes with Newcastle
The FA have have ordered Newcastle to pull out of a pre-season friendly in Utrecht to settle the escalating row over a potential clash with north east neighbours Sunderland.
FA chiefs took the decision after the Mayor of Amsterdam voiced his concerns about the two sets of fans going to games just 30 miles apart from each other on Sunday, 26th July.
The ruling allows the Black Cats to play in the prestigious Amsterdam Tournament.
A spokesman for the FA said: 'Following conversations with the KNVB and the Mayor of Amsterdam's office, The FA has reluctantly withdrawn permission for Newcastle United to play a friendly with Utrecht on Sunday 26 July.
'Following concerns raised by the Mayor of Amsterdam, it became clear that only one of the two teams would be able to travel to Holland and The FA actively sought to resolve the situation.
'Priority was given to Sunderland for three reasons; their application to play was received first, tickets have already been sold to their supporters, and travel arrangements have already been made. Newcastle United have not yet sold any tickets to their supporters.'
Mayor Job Cohen was unhappy at the prospect of the two North East rivals playing on Sunday July 26, just 30 miles from each other. Police in England were also worried about the thousands travelling on ferries across the North Sea that weekend.
Sunderland have already sold more than 1,500 tickets for the Amsterdam Tournament, which this season involves Atletico Madrid, Benfica and hosts Ajax and which in the past has attracted the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
