One Direction show to be hit by Metro strike action

Metro's operators have urged that the strike be called off

Metro staff have announced strike action for the day thousands of One Direction fans are expected to use the rail system to get to and from the band's North East concert.

Action by RMT workers has been set for Wednesday, 28 May, coinciding with the chart-topping band's show at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

The strike follows the dismissal of a worker by Metro operator DB Regio.

It hopes to run a "reduced service" prioritising concert-goers.

'Unnecessary disruption'

Sharon Kelly, customer services and operations director at DB Regio, said: "We are disappointed that the RMT has chosen to take this action, which is targeted at Metro customers on a very busy day for the North East."

It said it was confident of running a reduced service if the strike went ahead, prioritising concert-goers as well as "recognising the needs of our regular customers".

She said: "We are working on a timetable, as well as with our partners at the Stadium of Light, and will have details available nearer the day.

"We urge the RMT to call this action off and for this matter to be further discussed and resolved, without causing unnecessary disruption to thousands of passengers."

The RMT said its members had shown "steadfast determination" to support a colleague.

One Direction's Where We Are tour began in the US last month