Sunderland fans still in the dark as SAFC to remove 720 commemorative bricks bought for loved ones

Supporters of Sunderland are still awaiting information regarding the removal of 720 commemorative bricks that have been at the Stadium of Light for over 25 years.

On May 4, the SAFC declared that the bricks located in Panel 8 of the ‘Wall of Fame’ at the northeast corner of the field would be relocated.

The bricks are being removed to make room for the relocation of the nearby ticket office. Numerous bricks pay tribute to deceased fans.

The club announced on November 12, 1996, that bricks would be available for purchase at that time for £25 apiece, allowing supporters and their loved ones to inscribe their names into club history while the stadium was still under construction.

Even though SAFC claims that “the club have (sic) up-to-date contact details for many of the fans affected,” they still encourage those fans to send them an email to “reach out.” It is believed that there is a manifest of the bricks.

The organisation further states: “We understand the deep emotional and personal significance associated with personalised bricks and we will be engaging closely with the fans impacted to discuss the steps involved in this process.”

On the other hand, fans are unable to discuss the issue with club officials directly. Some have emailed, but they haven’t heard back yet.

There are about 20,000 customised bricks total, but as far as the Echo is aware, the only way for fans to find out which of them are in Panel 8 is to go to the stadium in person.

The Echo has questioned SAFC about a number of issues, including where and when the bricks will be delivered, why the club hasn’t listed the bricks involved, what happens if no one contacts the club about a specific brick, whether the bricks will be replacements or the same, and why people can’t talk to someone in person instead of sending emails.

The club has not yet replied.

“If you believe you or someone you know has a personalised brick located in panel eight, please get in touch with the club as soon as possible,” the SAFC website states.

“You can email panel8@safc.com to accomplish this.

“After that, a member of our team will get in contact with you to make sure you receive support during this process, which we promise to manage with care and consideration.”