Dispersal order across Wolverhampton city centre ahead of Wolves v West Brom

Extra policing powers will be in place across Wolverhampton as thousands of supporters prepare to attend the eagerly anticipated Black Country derby between Wolves and West Bromwich Albion.

West Midlands Police will introduce a dispersal order covering Wolverhampton city centre and the wider surrounding area as part of a major policing operation for the fixture at Molineux.

The order will come into force from 8am on Sunday September 20, and remain in place for 24 hours.

Under the powers, officers can direct individuals to leave a designated area if they believe their presence could contribute to anti-social behaviour, harassment, disorder or crime. Anyone who is ordered to leave and subsequently returns could be arrested.

Police said the measures have been introduced following months of planning with partner organisations, with the primary aim of ensuring supporters can travel to and from the city safely.

A significant policing presence will be deployed throughout the day, including specialist resources such as the mounted unit and drones.

Officers will also work closely with British Transport Police, Transport for West Midlands and West Midlands Metro, with police anticipating that rail and tram services will be particularly busy as supporters make their way to the match.

Superintendent Tim Robinson, who is overseeing the policing operation, said the fixture was an important occasion for supporters of both clubs.

“The Black Country derby is an historic and iconic fixture in English football,” he said.

He added that both sets of supporters were expected to passionately back their teams, but warned that police would take action against behaviour that caused fear, harm or disorder.

“We'll have a dispersal order in place to help us take swift action against anybody, or any groups, who head into Wolverhampton with the intent to cause trouble,” Robinson said.

Those involved in disorder could face arrest, a criminal record and a football banning order, police warned.

The force said its aim was to ensure that law-abiding supporters could enjoy the occasion without being affected by anti-social behaviour or violence.

“This is a day for football, not violence or anti-social behaviour, and we want to keep it all about the game on the pitch,” Robinson said.