More police for Albion vs Palace (From The Argus)
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More police for Albion vs Palace
1:50pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Neil Vowles
Extra police officers have been drafted in to stop the fierce rivalry between Albion and Crystal Palace fans from descending into violence.
Sussex Police will be committing more officers to Sunday’s game in an effort to prevent a repeat of the unsavoury scenes at the last derby at American Express Community Stadium.
Twenty-eight people were arrested as fans clashed at Brighton, Falmer and Lewes stations before and after the game in September 2011, which was policed by 200 officers.
Tensions will be high, as the fixture represents a huge game for both promotion chasing teams.
Police and club officials are urging fans not to get carried away with the occasion. Kick-off has been moved to midday on Sunday, March 17, to reduce problems, with the Amex open from 10am.
Crystal Palace supporters will not be held back in the stadium at the end of the game, but instead a one-way system will be in operation around the ground to keep the two sets of fans apart.
Officers said that the option of keeping fans back was being kept on the table and could change on the day.
Special train
A special train direct from Falmer to East Croydon has been organised by British Transport Police and Southern Rail and will leave 45 minutes after the final whistle.
Albion fans are being encouraged to stay in the ground after the game, with the club supplying extra alcohol including Guinness to mark St Patrick’s Day.
Coach companies will also wait behind 30 minutes longer to allow fans to enjoy the post-match hospitality.
Honesty bins will be placed outside the ground to try to persuade fans not to smuggle drink into the ground.
At the last derby game, 11 seats and one toilet bowl in the away end were damaged.
Chief Inspector Paul Betts said: |“It will be the same package we would deliver with any game, but we have to be mindful about the increased rivalry between these clubs and information we have.
“In terms of differences there will be some horses working at the stadium and a generally higher visibility of officers working in the city during the game.”
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Comments(10)
brighton bluenose
says...
3:19pm Thu 14 Mar 13
They will be coming out of the away end and walking past the south-west and west stands as the Albion fans exit these areas ffs?!!!!!
Crystal Ball
says...
3:41pm Thu 14 Mar 13
Plantpot
says...
4:53pm Thu 14 Mar 13
Somethingsarejustwrong
says...
7:24pm Thu 14 Mar 13
Plantpot wrote:Probably be worse if it wasn't!
So this is a known problem fixture and alcohol is being served? Smart.
mr punch
says...
10:31am Fri 15 Mar 13
Plantpot wrote:That's exactly what I thought!! Not only acohol. but EXTRA alcohol!!
So this is a known problem fixture and alcohol is being served? Smart.
Why don't the old bill keep the albion fans in and let the palarse fans go home first as there will be less of them. Just a thought?
Kiddon72
says...
12:26pm Fri 15 Mar 13
If there is a history of violence then play the game behing closed doors and let the fans watch it at home. They can then smash their own lavatories if they feel so inclined. .
a1a1a1
says...
1:22pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Tiger Shark
says...
6:52pm Fri 15 Mar 13
a1a1a1 wrote:I and many others would rather stay in the ground and let these animals leave the area before making our way home in safety. The thought of sitting nervously on a train having to endure disgraceful verbal abuse as we did last season, fills me with dread. Very good idea in my opinion, some home fans are just too impatient for their own good and need to look at the bigger picture, we are a family club and need to look after our fans when we have these sort of unsociable people down.
Im sorry, but it is just plain stupid why the Palace fans are not going to be kept back for 15-20 minutes whilst everyone else makes their way home. Will give the station a chance to clear, where the majority of the trouble will occur. Just saves unncessary problems and policing - simple isn;t it??
hubby
says...
3:49pm Sat 16 Mar 13
spa301 says...
3:15pm Thu 14 Mar 13
Just one officer would create a higher visability in the city than we're used to