Police say Reading FC football operation will be 'highly visible and Robust'
Cardiff are the visitors to the SCL stadium this weekend
Thames Valley Police will undertake a highly visible and robust policing operation for the match between Reading Football Club and Cardiff City Football Club on Saturday, 18 April.
Section 35 orders will be enacted as a preventative measure to help ensure the safety of fans and local communities in the area.
Section 35 dispersal powers give police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) the authority to disperse individuals and groups who are causing, or are likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress from a specified locality.
The orders will be in place from 8am until 8pm on Saturday, 18 April, in Reading. The specific areas are shown below:
In addition, tactics including football spotters, mounted officers, tactical cyclists, police dogs and drones will be deployed to provide reassurance to local communities.
Disorder
Chief Inspector Dave Washington, tactical commander for the match, said: “We want fans to enjoy the match, support their team and return home safely, but antisocial behaviour and disorder will not be tolerated.
“While the vast majority of supporters behave responsibly, we will take firm action against anyone intent on causing disorder, including arrests and football banning orders.
“If you are coming to the match, please say hello to our officers and speak to police, staff or stewards on the day if you have any concerns.
“We will continue to work with both football clubs, our partners and local communities to ensure a safe operation and prevent those who pose a risk of antisocial behaviour from impacting on others.”