And rather than splitting their first-team squad between Saturday’s two matches, Regis Le Bris will now be fielding a development squad against Gateshead, with the first team focusing exclusively on the later game against South Shields.
Concerns had been expressed about the state of the playing surface at Gateshead’s International Stadium, and that has forced the late change of plans. The game against Gateshead, featuring Sunderland’s development side, will now be staged at Hebburn Sports & Social Ground, with the kick-off remaining at 12.30pm.
A Sunderland statement said: “Following a visit to the Gateshead International Stadium, both clubs expressed concerns relating to the playing surface and further investigation determined that player safety cannot be guaranteed.
“As a result, the club’s first team will now travel to South Shields, with a development squad facing Gateshead at the home of Hebburn Town Football Club.”
Sunderland have also released details for any supporters wanting a refund on tickets they have already purchased for the Gateshead game.
The statement said: “Tickets purchased for the fixture at the Gateshead International Stadium will remain valid for the fixture at Hebburn Sports & Social Ground.
“Alternatively, fans can request a refund by contacting tickets@gateshead-fc.com and including their order number. Please note, requests for refunds must be submitted by 23:49 on Friday 11 July 2025.
“All supporters who purchased car park tickets at the Gateshead International Stadium will receive an automatic refund to the original payment source.”
Sunderland have also announced that the first-team game against South Shields will now be streamed for free.
The statement continued: “To ensure as many fans as possible can watch this weekend’s first-team action, the South Shields fixture will also now be broadcast on SAFC Live free of charge.
“All streaming passes previously purchased for the Gateshead and South Shields fixtures, including the double match pass, will be refunded within the next 3-5 working days.
“Supporters based in the United Kingdom and United States who purchased a full pre-season streaming package will also receive a £9.99 refund, taking the package cost to £40.”
