Cops put together for hooligan hell as 4 completely different derbies happen throughout UK
Games in both Scotland and England, including the notorious Dockers Derby and the Old Firm, will see police numbers bolstered as cops prepare for violent clashes
Derbies are taking place up and down the UK(Image: Getty Images)
Britain could face a weekend of brutal football fan clashes as cops prepare for a chaotic two days of derby match ups.
While much of the attention has been given to Millwall vs West Ham on Saturday morning, the likes of West Brom vs Wolves and Celtic and Rangers will almost certainly be more than lively affairs too.
At least three separate police forces have issued explicit warnings about violence and hooliganism, with several more clubs begging their own fans to keep a lid on things.
The Daily Star takes you through what could be one of the most eventful weekends in recent football fan history.
Millwall vs West Ham
The Dockers Derby has seen things get feisty in the past(Image: Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)
The Met is preparing its biggest operation of the weekend as Millwall and West Ham meet for the first time in 14 years.
Around 400 officers are reportedly expected to police Saturday’s Dockers Derby at The Den, which is approximately four times the deployment normally seen at a Championship fixture.
A Section 35 dispersal order will cover a huge area of south-east London, allowing officers to remove anyone suspected of causing disorder.
The Met have bumped police numbers and brought in emergency rules(Image: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
The Met said: “On Saturday, 19 September at 12.30pm, Millwall face West Ham at The Den – the first time the two clubs have met since 2012.
“We want fans to enjoy the match safely and have worked with both clubs to help this happen. As with any fixture, the Sporting Events Act 1985 is in place, which means entering or attempting to enter a ground while intoxicated is strictly prohibited.
“A Section 35 dispersal order will also be in place, allowing officers to remove anyone causing disorder.”
West Ham supporters will be escorted to and from South Bermondsey station, with special arrangements keeping the rival groups apart.
The clubs’ previous cup meeting in 2009 descended into mayhem, with a supporter stabbed and violent clashes taking place inside and outside Upton Park.
Wolves vs West Brom
West Midlands Police will be on alert when Wolves host West Brom at Molineux on Sunday.
Their previous meeting in 2024 was suspended for more than half an hour after bloody violence erupted in the stands.
The investigation eventually resulted in 43 arrests, 12 people being convicted and sentenced, five permanent club bans and one Football Banning Order.
Things got ugly last time these two played(Image: Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
In a joint warning, Wolves and West Brom said: “These outcomes demonstrate that disorder, violence and criminal behaviour carry significant consequences and will continue to be dealt with robustly by both clubs and West Midlands Police.”
In the aftermath of the previous matchup, Chief Inspector Tim Robinson said: “What we saw was completely unacceptable violence directed at both fans and officers, which sadly led to the suspension of the game.
“No football fan wants to see that. It’s important to stress, however, that it was very much a minority of fans involved in the trouble, and the vast majority of supporters were a credit to their clubs.
The police tried to stop the rival fans from getting at each other(Image: Jack Thomas/Wolves via Getty Images)
“A number of officers have been injured, and we have already started the process of reviewing evidence, including body-worn video and CCTV.
“Those involved in the disorder can expect to receive club bans and wider Football Banning Orders.”
Supporters have been warned that pyrotechnics, missiles, pitch invasions and attempts to enter the opposition section could result in arrest.
Celtic vs Rangers
Police Scotland faces another major operation at Celtic Park just one week after four arrests were made during Rangers’ 3-0 cup victory over Celtic.
The alleged offences included assaulting a police officer, sectarian abuse, threatening behaviour and breach of the peace.
Masked thugs took to the pitch(Image: Getty Images)
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: “We worked closely with a range of partners, including both clubs, to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption.
“The match passed without major incident and I would like to thank the majority of fans for their conduct throughout the day.
“A small number of offences were detected during the course of the event. These included one instance of police assault and a separate incident involving sectarian abuse. Behaviour such as this is never acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Scottish cops will be hoping they can keep a lid on things(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Sunday’s match will be played without Rangers supporters following the fallout from last season’s Scottish Cup chaos at Ibrox.
After Celtic’s penalty-shootout victory, supporters invaded the pitch, threw objects and pyrotechnics and fought with rival fans. Officers and members of the public were injured.
Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen said: “Officers and members of the public have been injured in this despicable display.
“A number of arrests have already been made, and Police Scotland will work with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to carry out a robust investigation.”
Police Scotland’s Greater Glasgow commander, Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, later said restoring similarly large away allocations was “absolutely not workable”.
Rochdale vs Oldham
Greater Manchester Police will also be involved when Rochdale and Oldham contest their first EFL meeting since 2022.
The two clubs have issued a joint warning about pitch invasions and pyrotechnics ahead of Saturday’s match at the Crown Oil Arena.
Their statement said: “All supporters are reminded that pitch incursions are a criminal offence which puts fans, players and staff at risk.
“These actions can also result in serious consequences for both clubs, by way of fines and potential group restrictions.
“Any supporter who enters the field of play also runs the risk of sanction, whether from their club or Greater Manchester Police.
“Supporters must also be aware that it is illegal to be in possession of a pyrotechnic or to attempt to bring a pyrotechnic device into a stadium.
“Doing so may result in arrest and a Football Banning Order being issued.”
The clubs added: “We ask everyone attending to enjoy the fixture safely, respectfully and responsibly, and look forward to a good occasion for all supporters.”
