The match officials for Sunday’s Wear–Tyne derby have been confirmed, with Peter Bankes set to take charge of the Premier League showdown between Sunderland and Newcastle United.
Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus will operate as assistant referees, while Simon Hooper has been named fourth official. VAR duties fall to Stuart Attwell at Stockley Park, supported by Alex Chilowicz.
The derby kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, 14 December, with both sides approaching the fixture under scrutiny. Sunderland remain in the race for European qualification despite their recent loss to Manchester City, while Newcastle are looking to haul themselves back into the top half after an inconsistent opening to the season.
Sunderland draw Everton away in the FA Cup
In the FA Cup third-round draw, Sunderland have been handed an away tie at Everton. The match will be staged at the newly opened Hill Dickinson Stadium on the weekend of Saturday, 10 January 2026. It will be the Black Cats’ first visit to the ground, with a packed crowd expected on Merseyside.
Régis Le Bris is likely to use the competition to rotate his squad and build momentum for the second half of the campaign. Sunderland have struggled to make significant progress in the FA Cup in recent years, and Everton away presents a stern test. Details on kick-off time, TV coverage and ticketing will be confirmed closer to the date.
Brentford away ticket information released
The club has also issued ticket details for the Premier League trip to Brentford on Wednesday, 7 January, with a 7:30pm GMT start at the Gtech Community Stadium. Sunderland have been allocated 1,725 tickets, including 28 wheelchair bays, with supporters receiving paper tickets for the fixture.
Prices are as follows:
• Adults – £30
• Seniors (65+) – £25
• Young adults (18–24) – £25
• Under-18s – £10
Sales will follow the club’s loyalty point system:
Phase 1: Season Ticket Holders with 65+ BCP — guaranteed a ticket. Runs from 12pm Tuesday 9 to 10am Wednesday 10.
Phase 2: Season Ticket Holders with 50+ BCP (subject to availability). Runs from 12pm Wednesday 10 to 10am Thursday 11.
Phase 3: Season Ticket Holders with 35+ BCP (subject to availability) from 12pm Thursday 11.
Supporters are reminded that age verification will be strictly applied and ticket age bands must match those on supporters’ season cards.
With derby day fast approaching, focus now turns fully to preparations for Sunday’s crucial showdown.