Nottinghamshire Police have issued a reminder to football fans about the use of pyrotechnics ahead of Tuesday's play-off semi-final second leg clash between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United.
The Blades travel to the City Ground for a second-leg showdown under the lights on Tuesday (May 17) with kick-off at 7.45pm. With a sell-out crowd expected, officers have urged supporters to act responsibly and not cause any problems regardless of what is at stake for either side.
Forest hold a 2-1 lead heading into the second-leg clash thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson and Jack Colback at Bramall Lane in the first-leg; Sander Berge's stoppage-time header reduced the deficit and provides the Blades with a lifeline to still reach Wembley for the play-off final, where they would face Huddersfield Town.
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Superintendent Paul Burrows, match commander for Nottinghamshire Police, said: "With a place in the Premier League just one step away for the winners, we fully appreciate just how big a deal tonight is for both sets of fans. Our main focus this evening will be to ensuring that the good-natured atmosphere experienced at matches this season continues and that both sets of fans are able to enjoy the football safely, without there being any problems.
"We know that the vast majority of fans will look to enjoy their night at the football and cheer their side on without any trouble, but we will have policing resources available to keep people safe, in the event of crime or disorder taking place. It is vital that people don’t allow their emotions to get the better of them and spoil the day for others, as our officers will take positive action against this small minority.
"While we know that the winners of tonight’s tie will go to the play-off final, it’s important that people understand that poor behaviour could mean they miss out on a trip to Wembley, which nobody wants."
Those with match tickets have been advised to turn up early in order to be inside the ground in time for kick-off. Those without tickets have been urged to stay away from the City Ground, whilst officers have also reiterated a warning against the use of pyrotechnic devices.
Supt Burrows added: "A trend does appear to have developed across the country on matchdays of supporters setting off pyrotechnics inside football grounds. While I know most people will view this as a harmless means of improving the atmosphere, this is simply not the case and is illegal for a reason.
"Smoke bombs are dangerous, both for those who are carrying them and those in the close vicinity when they’re activated. We have actually had several fans report breathing difficulties when they’ve been set off at recent matches, which is very serious and completely unacceptable.
"There is no place for these types of pyrotechnics inside football grounds and it’s important that people realise that smuggling these items into stadiums is a criminal offence that can lead to an arrest and a football banning order of up to five years."
There have been a number of incidents involving pyrotechnic devices at recent Nottingham Forest matches, including one during the first-leg against Sheffield United which Steve Cook apologised for.
