Police have not confirmed whether the recent burglary is related to the weekend’s protests that caused embarrassment in Wearside.
The glass entrance door on the north side of the building, just a few meters from the Stadium of Light, was shattered, though the damage was not severe. The thieves stole some stock. The shop was quickly boarded up and reopened for business as usual on Saturday morning.
The store, which opened on June 28, had replaced the SAFC ticket office.
A spokesperson from Northumbria Police stated: “We are investigating a burglary at the club store at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland around 11:30 pm on Friday (August 2). The club has informed the Echo that they will not be commenting specifically on the burglary.
However, the club tweeted late Friday night: “Tonight’s disgraceful scenes do not reflect our culture, history, or people. Our great city is founded on unity and acceptance, and Sunderland will always be inclusive. We are stronger together as one community. Now. Then. Always.”
Sunderland’s first home game of the 2024-25 season is scheduled against Sheffield Wednesday at noon on Sunday, August 18.