Football / News
No restrictions for fans at City vs Cardiff
Fans attending Bristol City’s Severnside derby with rivals Cardiff will not be kept apart, after police announced travel restrictions were being lifted for Saturday’s fixture.
The last fixture in October was a “bubble match”, where police keep the two sets of fans apart as they arrive and leave the stadium.
The restrictions were put in place following violent clashes in Cardiff in 2013 which resulted in 32 City fans receiving football banning orders totaling 100 years.
This weekend’s fixture kicks off at an earlier than usual time of 12pm at Ashton Gate.
In the past Cardiff City supporters had been required to travel by coach to Bristol to reduce the potential for trouble.
Superintendent Pete Warren, match commander, said: “We will, of course, have a police operation for the match, which will be intelligence-led and include us working with our police officer colleagues in South Wales, as well as both clubs.
“The priority is for a safe and enjoyable day for both sets of supporters, ensuring the impact of the game on visitors to the city, local residents and businesses, is kept to a minimum.
“Club stewards will remove anyone from the ground that is being disrespectful to others, whether it is through racial chanting or abusive language. We will support the club’s action and arrest them for any offences committed. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated by either the club or us.
“Those who cause problems – anti social behaviour or violence – should be aware that they could be arrested and subsequent charge could result in a football banning order.”
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