Armed police and dogs will oversee derby clash
CASES OF DISORDER WILL BE DEALT WITH, FANS TOLD
ARMED officers will be on hand when Derby County take on Nottingham Forest on Monday night, police have revealed.
Supporters of the two clubs are being urged to ‘do their clubs proud’ during the first A52 derby.
With the usual sell-out crowd expected at Pride Park, Derbyshire police have outlined the measures they have put in place for the game, and have revealed that armed officers and police dogs will be there to deal with any cases of disorder.
The police also said that CCTV and body-worn cameras will be in use by officers and the drone unit will be used to give an aerial view of the stadium.
Superintendent Tracy Harrison, who is leading the policing operation for the match, said: “This game is lining up to be an early Christmas cracker and we want everyone there to enjoy the game, cheer on their team and get home safe.
“We know that passions are always high at this fixture, but the last thing anyone wants is for that to spill over into trouble.”
With a crowd of more than 33,000 expected and enhanced searches in place, fans are asked to arrive in good time to make sure they are in place for the start of the game at 7.45pm.
Superintendent Harrison, said: “While there are a number of pubs and restaurants in the city centre, space is limited at premises who are especially welcoming Forest fans, given the large number of fans expected.
“Drinks and food kiosks are available at the stadium. Please respect those working hard in the stadium to keep you fed and watered. Poor behaviour could restrict the sale of alcohol in these areas.”
There will be four trains an hour and regular buses running from Nottingham to Derby during the day.
However, for those travelling by road, particularly in private hire cabs or cars, the A52 roadworks may make their journey longer than expected.
Superintendent Harrison said: “To the majority of fans who are
This game is lining up to be an early Christmas cracker and we want everyone to enjoy it.
Supt Tracy Harrison Matej Vydra’s opening goal for Rams against Forest in October last year. The teams meet again on Monday. hoping for a good evening out and to come away with a win – I say good luck and get behind your team.
“I’d also like to offer reassurance that CCTV and body-worn cameras are in use and the police drone unit will be providing an aerial view of the stadium.
“We will also have extra resources on hand, including police dogs and armed officers. This is for safety and engagement purposes. There is no specific threat to this fixture.
“It is our hope that these measures will ensure that the majority of good-intentioned fans will feel safer and be able to enjoy the game to the full.
“Please do go up and talk to officers and ask them about their day. They are there to engage and are the same officers that keep you safe 24/7.
“For the minority who may come with other things in mind I would say this – we are well versed in policing football fixtures, and should instances of disorder occur before, during or after the game, they will be dealt with quickly and effectively.
“Even if arrests aren’t made there and then, officers will review incidents, including offensive chanting, and bring those responsible to justice.”
Following the game, fans and members of the public should be aware that there could be delays in returning to their vehicles.
Derby and Forest are continuing to take a united stand against obscene, abusive and hate-filled social media posts and singing ahead of the match.
The clubs issued a joint statement before their last meeting, in March, at the City Ground and they have reaffirmed the message to supporters.
The statement reads: “The two clubs are determined to clamp down on social media users who post comments of an offensive character and will be taking relevant action against those users.
“Individuals should also be aware that, in many instances, such posts will involve breaches of the criminal law.
“By way of example, the respective clubs will adopt a zero-tolerance policy to social media comments designed to promote hatred regarding the death of former Forest owner Nigel Doughty and the tragic Derby house fire in which six young children died.
“These topics have been used to cause offence by a tiny minority of supporters in the past. This behaviour sickens the overwhelming number of fans of both clubs and will not be tolerated.
“The clubs will look to impose severe sanctions on anyone found to be making comments of this nature.
“In addition, both clubs will take strong action against any individual involved in any chanting inside the stadium regarding these or similar topics at this game or on any other match day.
“Both clubs wish to honour and respect the robust nature of the rivalry between them and the passion and desire of their supporters.
“However, this must not be seen as an excuse by a tiny minority to engage in criminal and obscene behaviour which causes offence to the huge majority of supporters of both clubs.”