Football
PA sport 8y

Police urge Aston Villa, Birmingham City fans to behave ahead of derby

Police have urged Aston Villa and Birmingham fans to behave -- as the hosts beef up their own security for Tuesday's derby.

Villa have increased their steward numbers for the Capital One Cup third-round visit of their Second City rivals.

There will also be a greater divide between the home and away fans inside the stadium as Villa look to avoid any trouble between the two sets of supporters in the first game between the sides in four years.

Villa were fined £200,000 following problems after March's 2-0 FA Cup quarterfinal win over West Brom which saw home fans twice invade the pitch.

Seats were also thrown from the away section into the home supporters while Baggies boss Tony Pulis admitted he feared for his players' safety.

And West Midlands Police have also warned any fans who are intent on causing trouble they should expect to be punished.

Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, from West Midlands Police, said: "We're preparing substantial policing operations for the upcoming football derby.

"The scale of this operations is based on current intelligence and we will deliver a proportionate policing response to the fixtures. We want to ensure that everyone can attend the match safely and enjoy the game.

"Anyone attending with the sole purpose of causing disorder and violence will be dealt with by our officers and can expect to face prosecution."

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