Police & Club Safety Advice For The Villa v Blues Match

It`s a shame this game isn`t just about the actual football isn`t it?

The West Midlands Police have released a statement hoping fans of both clubs can enjoy the derby match and help make it a trouble-free affair.

I wish.

WMP, who take a hell of a abuse for doing their jobs during these games (I`d not like to go to work and have bottles and bricks thrown at me I have to say) have said:

“Fans will see a highly visible presence of officers in and around Villa Park for the game tomorrow (Sunday 11 February) lunchtime to provide reassurance and welcome fans to the event. Officers are encouraging supporters to savour the spectacle but warned those who score an own goal and cause trouble face arrest or potential banning order.“


Action is apparently still being taken against those causing trouble at the last match between Villa and Blues.

Match commander, Superintendent Nick Rowe, said: ‘A derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham City is always a key fixture in the football calendar and we want everyone to come and enjoy the day. There will be families of all ages coming to the match to savour the special atmosphere and our role is to try our very best to keep people safe. The vast majority of fans are well-behaved but there are a very small minority who see the game as an opportunity to cause trouble.”

Adding, ‘This will continue on Sunday and I can only reinforce the message that crime or violence will not be accepted. Those arrested for football-related disorder face a visit to the courts and a banning order.’

You can see the latest updates on accessing the ground, parking, road closures and more follow @WMPVillaFC and @WMPBCFC on Twitter.

The full information about access for home and away fans can be viewed at www.avfc.co.uk No point me publishing it all here, suffice to say that link provides you all the parking and pedestrian information you require.

Now had this confirmed by the police: The train: Villa fans should use Aston Station and the Blues fans should use the Witton Lane Station.

If I see any tweets from the police relevant to this, I`ll update in this article.