Police guard at molineux for rivals

Up to 1,000 Cardiff fans will be bussed in and out of Molineux under police guard to stop violence erupting at their match with Wolves tomorrow night.

But other security measures will be scaled down in a bid to make the clash, which has a history of trouble, into "just another game".

Chief Superintendent Richard Green, Wolverhampton police commander, said today: "We are working on a staged return to normal arrangements with some agreed controlled measures to prevent potential disorder.

"As this is an evening fixture, it is anticipated that far fewer Cardiff supporters will be attending the game but an escorted arrival scheme for them will operate in order to help minimise potential for disorder."

The move towards trying to treat the match like any other game of the season has been welcomed by Wolves.

Club spokesman Matt Grayson said: "It is a step in the right direction. Cardiff fans have been allowed to travel by the authorities but under restrictions.

"It is now up to them to behave well tomorrow and in the intervening period before any future fixture. Any decision on future restrictions will then be made on the intelligence available at the time and the current safety record of the Cardiff supporters."

Meetings between the clubs have been marred by violence and controversy in recent years.

Trouble flared in March 2006 when riot police battled with Cardiff fans in the Steve Bull stand.

Running battles followed after the final whistle, when yobs hurled stones in the city centre, and one officer was knocked out.

It led to Bluebirds fans being banned from Molineux. The tension worsened earlier this year when Wolves fans were banned from travelling to Cardiff for an FA Cup tie, which Wolves lost 2-0.