Police ready for big Devon derby

Devon and Cornwall Police have been planning for the big Devon derby as promotion chasing Plymouth Argyle arrive at play-off chasing Exeter with everything to play for.

Chief Inspector Richard Hooper-Bennett from the Operations Planning unit, said: “We have worked closely with both Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City Football Club to help ensure a smooth Devon derby this weekend.

"We are expecting a bumper crowd, and as a Force we are experienced in policing large scale sporting events such as this. We are looking forward to what should be a great occasion.”

Additional police will be deployed to help on the day, including the Mounted Unit from Avon and Somerset Police. Chief Insp Hooper-Bennett said: “People need to be aware that the match is an all-ticket affair and therefore no tickets will be available to purchase on the day.

“If any supporters are deemed to be drunk then you will be refused entry into St James Park. If you are caught using foul and abusive language, then you run the risk of being ejected from the ground and arrested.

“Plymouth have already sold out their allocation to their season ticket holders and we are expecting around a dozen supporter coaches on match day.”

St James Road behind the away end will be closed on match day to allow for the away fans coaches to drop off, park and pick up fans at full time.

Julian Tagg, Vice Chairman of Exeter City Football club, said: “The games between Exeter and Plymouth in recent years have been of the highest quality and played in a fantastic atmosphere. Despite the importance and the pressure on the players of both teams the games have been combative, competitive, but to their credit, always fair.

“Whilst some years ago there were some problems experienced, in recent years due to the excellent working relationships and partnerships between Exeter, Plymouth, both sets of fans and Devon and Cornwall Police, these events have been safe enjoyable and always memorable.

“As an all ticket game the appeal is for fans to purchase and collect their tickets well in advance, either online or direct from the club and ‘Pack the Park’.”

Due to the expected large crowd, Police will have additional officers in and around the St James area as well as the High Street in Exeter to help on the day.

The latest information on matchday will be tweeted via the @DCP_Football, the Force’s Football Unit dedicated twitter account.