Police prepared for Plymouth v Portsmouth play-off

Police in partnership with Plymouth Argyle FC have put in place plans to make sure one of the biggest matches of the season is remembered for the excitement of the club’s shot at Wembley.

On Sunday 15 May, Argyle hosts Portsmouth for the second round of the League 2 playoffs for a chance to play at Wembley. The club is expecting the ground to be full to its 15,600 match capacity.

Match Commander Superintendent Glen Mayhew said: "I’d like to encourage supporters to arrive at the ground in plenty of time. This is an all-ticket match and  none will be available on the day. If you don’t have a ticket, please don’t come to the ground.

“Supporters must be aware that home stewards will be robust and turn away anyone if they are drunk even if they have obtained their tickets in advance. Taking alcohol into the ground is and could be treated as a criminal offence.”

Supt. Mayhew said: “We’re working closely with the club to make sure that supporters coming to the match arrive, watch the match and leave, safely.  I send a clear message now that if anyone at the match or in the town is intent on causing problems they will be dealt with robustly.”

Those who choose to cause problems face a lengthy football banning order of up to ten years. This is the biggest policing operation for a football match for Devon and Cornwall Police this season, with policing support from across the Force involving 150 officers.

Supt. Mayhew said: "I want everybody to have an enjoyable time in Plymouth, whether local to Devon or visitors. We know the vast majority of fans are coming to watch a match that is going to have a stupendous atmosphere, and we do not expect disorder.

“Having said that if there’s a minority that are intent on disruption then this will not be tolerated, they’ll be dealt with quickly and firmly.”