By Shaun Murphy-
The Metropolitan police has said it will act ‘swiftly and robustly’ to deal with any disruption at FA Cup final and soccer fans prepare for the last lap of the premiere league tournament this weekend.
More than 1,000 Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers will be involved in the mass policing Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley between Manchester rivals City and United.
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The MPS will be joined by officers from British Transport Police and specialist football officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) .
Protesters will be dealt with in a “speedy and robust” way if they try to disrupt the FA Cup Final, a senior police officer has said.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan of the Metropolitan Police made the comments as he revealed 1,200 officers from three forces will be deployed to Saturday’s match at Wembley.
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The Met and British Transport Police will join forces while specialist football officers from Greater Manchester Police who “know their fans” will try and prevent tensions between supporters of rivals Manchester United and Manchester City.
Officers will be deployed both within the Wembley footprint, key transport hubs and in other areas of the capital where fans are expected to congregate.
“This will include our mounted branch and dog units, as well as officers from GMP who will be travelling down with fans from both clubs, and who will assist with the policing operation for the day alongside traffic units, Operation Servator counter terrorist officers, evidence gathering and licensing teams, and crime investigators,” the MPS said in a statement.
“Individuals or groups who cause serious disruption to the match – or who have the intention to do so – should be aware that we will act swiftly and robustly. Similarly, we will not tolerate any criminality, anti-social behaviour or disorder.”
The MPS said it was “well prepared” for Saturday’s FA Cup Final at Wembley and was looking forward to welcoming fans to London.
Over recent months it has been working closely with partners, including the FA, Wembley Stadium and other police forces, “putting together a comprehensive plan to ensure that all those attending the match can do so safely and securely”.
With train strikes causing disruption to travel, the force said it also has “a coordinated plan with colleagues at GMP, West Midlands Police and British Transport Police” to ensure they are effectively sharing information given the journeys of fans to Wembley and their return back home.
MPS Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, said: “The FA Cup Final is a momentous day in the sporting calendar and our comprehensive policing operation reflects this. Of course this is also a derby match, and we are alive to the added significance – and challenges – this may bring.
“This event has been months in the planning and we are continuing to work with our key partners in the lead up to the match. Overall it is a busy weekend in London with two large concerts also taking place, and a number of planned demonstrations.
“We have a flexible plan in place to reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder and ultimately to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves safely.”
GMP said it has been working closely with other police forces and British Transport Police “to ensure the day runs smoothly and that everyone can enjoy the game safely”.
Chief Superintendent Colette Rose said there will also be a large police presence across the city of Manchester.
“This has been a great season and we’re really looking forward to seeing the first-ever all Manchester FA Cup final. You can already feel the excitement and it will be great to see people out enjoying themselves,” she said.
“We want everyone across Greater Manchester – and those travelling down to Wembley – to enjoy the event safely.
“There will be a large police presence across the city of Manchester, as we always have for high-profile matches, to ensure the safety of everyone.”
In a message to the fans, Chief Supt Rose said: “Please remember that you are representing Manchester. The match is not an excuse for anti-social behaviour and we will take a firm approach to anyone ruining the day for the real football fans.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re watching the game. Don’t let a moment of poor judgment lead to criminal prosecution or a match ban.
“Whatever the result, we are one city united.”
The FA said the Emirates FA Cup trophy has already been partially engraved to “recognise and celebrate the first ever final between Manchester City and Manchester United”.
The word ‘Manchester’ will be on the Cup by the time the winners have hoisted it aloft at Wembley, breaking the age-old tradition of the winners’ name being engraved in the days or months following the final.
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