Police will be on hand to ensure everyone attending this afternoon’s FA Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City enjoys the match safely.
The City Ground is gearing up to host its second East Midlands derby in quick succession – just 15 days on from the Reds’ match against rivals Derby County.
With another sell-out crowd expected and more than 4,000 Leicester fans due to attend the FA Cup fourth round tie today (Sunday 6 February) at 4pm, Nottinghamshire Police officers will again be present to ensure the day runs smoothly for all.
Chief Inspector Neil Williams, match commander of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Due to Leicester City’s recent success, today’s match represents the first time these rivals have met in nearly eight years, so I understand that both sets of supporters will want to win.
“While we want everyone who is attending the game to have a great time, it is important that people don’t allow their emotions to get the better of them and spoil the day for others.
“As it’s an FA Cup tie, we’re expecting to see twice as many away fans attend today as came to the league match against Derby a fortnight or so ago, but we have prepared for this event and our officers will be on hand to keep everyone safe and ensure the rivalry remains good natured.
“The entire Lower Bridgford stand will be allocated to the away fans for the fixture, so I’d ask any Leicester fan who doesn’t have a ticket but is thinking of travelling to the match anyway not to do so and to stay at home and watch the match on television instead.
“As ever, our officers will be on hand to support fans and both clubs to provide an enjoyable day for everyone in attendance, and we will of course take positive action to keep people safe, should any crime or disorder take place.”
Road closures will be in place close to the City Ground on Lady Bay Bridge before the match kicks off at 4pm and again after the final whistle, with police urging drivers to avoid the area during these times.
Nottinghamshire Police has also warned supporters not to attempt to try and smuggle flares and smoke bombs into the ground, after pyrotechnics were seized by officers during last month’s clash with Derby.
Ch Insp Williams added: “We did unfortunately experience incidents of flares being thrown at the Derby match, so I want to urge people not to make the same mistake.
“It’s important that anyone thinking of smuggling pyrotechnics into a football ground knows that even going into a stadium with a flare is an offence and could lead to them being turned away at the turnstiles, receiving a football banning order of up to five years, or being arrested.
“Throwing pyrotechnics is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury, both to yourself and to those around you – it just isn’t worth it.
“Having spoken to fan groups beforehand, we know that the vast majority of supporters will be attending the match just to cheer their side on and to enjoy the feel of another local derby, so our main focus will be to ensure everyone is able to do this safely.”
