Football violence fears put police on high alert
POLICE are gearing up for a disorderly climax to the football season this weekend amid fears of pitch invasions and fan violence.
Supporters have surged on to pitches five times this week with players attacked, fans injured, missiles thrown at police and a Premier League boss clashing with an invader.
Ten top-flight games kick off tomorrow in the final day of the campaign, which will decide the champions, the crucial fourth spot and the third side to be relegated.
Extra officers, including those on horseback, will be on duty in case of trouble inside and outside stadiums.
Among concerns are the increasing number of reckless fans setting off coloured pyrotechnic flares among crowds or hurling them on the pitch.
Manager Jurgen Klopp, whose Liverpool side could be champions tomorrow, says invasions put fans, players and staff in harm’s way.
He added: “I’m not sure how you avoid it. I understand emotions but for the other team, it’s dangerous.We can celebrate things without threatening ourselves and the opponent.”
Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle United, said: “We have to act very quickly to avert a potential tragedy.”
On Tuesday Sheffield United player Billy Sharp was head-butted by Nottingham Forest fan Robert Biggs, 30, who was jailed for 24 weeks. Port Vale fans were accused of “physically and verbally abusing” Swindon players after winning the League Two semi-final on Thursday.
Hundreds of Everton supporters surged on to Goodison Park on Thursday after the club avoided relegation by beating Crystal Palace 3-2.
Palace boss Patrick Vieira was involved in an altercation with an Everton fan. There were disturbances at Northampton and Huddersfield.