Ring of steel surrounds derby with a difference
DOWN Priory Road, as Goodison Park first loomed into view, it was difficult to see what was different about this derby. There, clustered together, were six police riot vans. In the middle of Stanley Park, another. Everywhere you looked, there were officers in high-visibility jackets watching and waiting for any eventuality. The Merseyside derby is a Category C game for the local police force, one which demands the largest number of officers on duty. Though Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp had put out passionate messages calling for supporters to stay at home, nothing was left to chance. From the four mounted officers, whose steeds lumbered up Goodison Road, to the clatter of the hovering helicopter, vigilance was the word at 5pm, as the squads prepared to make their arrival for a fixture that should have been played on March 16.
In total, more than 80 officers were on duty. Everton arrived first, a cavalcade of Mercedes, Bentleys and Audis — all players were behind the wheel themselves with the exception of Richarlison, who used his regular chauffer. Liverpool’s convoy was next, three coaches for social distancing. A small crowd gathered, mainly away fans, including Karen Piper, a lifelong Liverpool fan, who wanted a glimpse of her heroes. ‘The first game should have been played on my birthday,’ she said. ‘I just had to be here.’ But it wasn’t a completely warm welcome. ‘Red and white s **** !’ bellowed one lone voice. Proof again that while everything is different now, some things will never, ever change.