Birmingham City v Aston Villa: Police bid to ease tension among rival fans during derby clash
Strict searches and away supporters held back at the final whistle are among measures aimed at easing flash-points at this weekend's derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham City.
Police today warned fans to behave as they move to diffuse tension ahead of the highly-charged second city derby on Sunday.
West Midlands Police pleaded with fans to make the match, being held at St Andrews, a trouble-free occasion.
It is the first time that the eagerly-awaited game has been held at the home of Birmingham City in the league for more than five years.
A visible police presence will be in place in and around the ground as part of policing plans to ensure the safety of the public.
The force said, following consultation with fans, away supporters will be held back in the ground for a brief period after the final whistle to assist the flow of people leaving the stadium.
Match commander Chief Inspector Nick Rowe said: "It will be great to see two sets of passionate fans come along and enjoy the spectacle - and atmosphere - of a local derby.
"This is a great occasion and our role is to ensure a safe event for everyone who attends the game.
"The vast majority of supporters are well-behaved but there may be some who see the fixture as an excuse to cause trouble.
"We will not tolerate crime or violence which is connected to football. Anyone who is arrested for football-related matters may face the risk of a banning order which will prevent them from attending future fixtures."
There will be a police and club search operation at the turnstiles including police sniffer dogs being deployed to ensure pyrotechnic devices such as flares and smoke bombs are not taken into the ground.
West Midlands Police officers have worked with both Birmingham City and Aston Villa in preparation for the fixture as well as speaking to representatives of supporter groups.
