After what happened at Hillsborough, Leeds and Owls fans get derby warning
Both clubs and West Yorkshire Police today moved to remind fans that bad behaviour will not be tolerated during Saturday’s game at Elland Road.
The previous meeting between the two sides this season, at Hillsborough in October, was marred by clashes between rival fans before and after the game, pitch encroachment that saw Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland assaulted, and vile chanting by both sets of fans.
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Hide AdLeeds United CEO Shaun Harvey told the club website: “What we saw and heard at Hillsborough in October crossed beyond the boundaries and we would remind fans that there is no place for behaviour or chanting like we saw that night.
“Our fans have been both the perpetrators and the victims of vile and sick chants in recent times, particularly with reference to our two fans who lost their lives in Istanbul 13 years ago, and we don’t believe there is any place for this in football.
“We would ask both sets of supporters attending Saturday’s game to keep their support within the confines of respectability, and to get behind their respective teams.”
Chief Superintendent Paul Money, Match Commander for the fixture, said: “My aim, and that of both clubs, is to ensure this remains a safe and enjoyable fixture for both sets of supporters and the many families who will be in attendance.
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Hide Ad“At the corresponding fixture earlier in the season we saw some unsavoury scenes perpetrated by a small minority that marred an entertaining game and actually upset the majority of respectful and well behaved supporters at the match.
“As a force we are very experienced at policing such big games and will have a significant operation in place, both at the ground and away from the stadium at key points across the city and county, to ensure public safety.
“Like the vast majority of supporters, I want this game to showcase what Yorkshire football fans are all about; namely passionately supporting their club and respecting the healthy local rivalries that exist. Anyone thinking of attending to cause disorder should think again. They will be arrested and we will apply to the courts for football banning orders.”