FOOTBALL fans feared most likely to become embroiled in derby day hooliganism when Sheffield Wednesday play United tomorrow have received home visits from the police.
Officers gave them face-to-face warnings about planning pre-match violence or getting involved in any disturbances during or after the game which kicks off at Hillsborough at 12.45pm - the first Steel City derby in two years.
They also raided home
s in connection with trouble which flared after Sheffield United's recent derby with Barnsley, where a crowd of around 40 rival fans clashed in the Devonshire Green area of the city after the game.
Three Sheffield men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed until next month.
Acting Supt Martin Scothern, South Yorkshire Police match day commander for the derby, said police activity ahead of the game was intended to prevent trouble.
Derby latest: Click here for football headlines."There will be a buzz about Sheffield tomorrow when the two teams meet each other for the first time in a couple of seasons and I want to make sure the small minority who may be thinking about getting involved in violence do not spoil it for the majority.
"It is not cheap for a family to go to a match these days, so why should these people wanting to get involved in violence spoil it for those who have paid for tickets for an enjoyable day out? We have visited those we class as the top 10 risk element from both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday and given them letters warning them about their behaviour and what they can expect if they do not comply."
Sheffield District Commander Chief Supt Jon House said: "The safety of fans and residents living in nearby properties to the grounds is paramount.
"We will be making sure there is minimum disruption around the stadium before and after the game and that everyone enters and leaves the stadium safely.
"To ensure the safety of fans attending the game, policing operations to crack down on hooliganism are already underway.
"Intelligence-gathering ahead of the match has helped police identify troublemakers and arrests are anticipated prior to the match to disrupt any possible violence and anti-social behaviour."
For the first time in Sheffield police are using new legislation, introduced in November, giving officers the right to ban troublemakers from areas, including the Hillsborough stadium, for up to 48 hours if they suspect they are likely to get involved in alcohol-related violence.
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