Former Premier League and FIFA referee Keith Hackett has commended Sunderland for recently taking action against the behaviour of some spectators.

The Lowdown: Sunderland take action

As per the Wearside club's official website, they have introduced further measures to enhance fan safety at the Stadium of Light, following the recent conduct of 'a small minority of away supporters'.

This includes the searching of all away supporters upon entering the stadium, increasing stewarding capacity in the North Stand and enhancing the CCTV network.

It is also now club policy that coins and vapes will no longer be permitted in the away section of the North Stand at the venue, and all of the new measures were in place in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Cardiff City in the Championship.

The Latest: Hackett applauds measures

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett claimed that Sunderland should be 'applauded' for the new measures that they have now put in place.

The 78-year-old said: “Credit to Sunderland for not allowing fans to take coins or objects they can throw at people into the ground. It sounds daft but it’s important. I think they should be applauded for attempting that. 

“When you look at the amount of money in the game, these things can be avoided. They need to put an airport security style system at the grounds.”

The Verdict: Needed

The safety of supporters when going to the games is first and foremost the most important thing on matchdays, so it is good to see these new measures being implemented by Sunderland.

It should also encourage more supporters who were perhaps too anxious to attend matches previously to now do so, and duly give Tony Mowbray's team an extra boost.

Other clubs should now be following the Black Cats' example, with changes which could be implemented ahead of the league season resuming after the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.