Days after full-time is called on Olympic football in Coventry, the West Midlands is set to welcome thousands of football fans for the curtain-raiser of the Premier League season. Sunday, August 12 will see Premier League champions Manchester City go head-to-head with FA Cup winners Chelsea at Villa Park in the FA Community Shield. For a police video on Youtube of policing football fixtures in the region, visit http://www.youtube.com/
West Midlands Police reports that it has been working with officers from British Transport Police, along with the Football Association, officials from both clubs and the host club, Aston Villa, to make sure the fixture is memorable for all the right reasons. Supporter groups have also helped shape the large-scale safety operation by sharing their experiences of previous matches.
“We’re a footballing region, so as a force we are used to policing high profile fixtures such as this,” said Chief Supt Chris McKeogh, who is heading the police operation.
“We have been planning for a long time and speaking to fans, who have helped influence the policing of the fixture.
“With the first silverware of the season to play for, we know emotions will be running high but we are hopeful fans will do their respective clubs proud and enjoy the match in the spirit of friendly rivalry.”
The policing operation, involving officers from across the force, will be managed from the Event Control Suite in south Birmingham. Fans from both clubs are advised to drink responsibly as those who are drunk will not be allowed to enter the ground.
To speed up arrival and departure times, City fans are being advised to take trains to Witton railway station, while Chelsea supporters are encouraged to board trains for Aston.
Those travelling by car are advised to leave extra time for any delays and to remove all valuables from display when they park.
