Full Police Report For Fiorentina Away:
• Ticket allocation – how many, and at what prices? Which blocks in which stands?
Liverpool have been allocated a total of 2,600 tickets this fixture which includes a number of Sponsers. The bulk of the Liverpool supporters will be located in the South/ East stand, this houses a maximum of 2,432.. Access to the outside area of the stadium is via Gates P 12, and then a short walk to enter the stadium through turnstiles 13 and 14 Liverpool Club stewards will be at these locations to assist Liverpool supporters. There is no roof covering the away fans.
• Stadium opening times
It is anticipated that the turnstiles will be open 3 hours prior to the kick off, on entering through gate P12, the separation of supporters will be created by a large zonal interlocking fence. Stewards and Police control access through ticket checking and searching. Tickets will be checked to match allocation and identification. There will be English speaking Fiorentina Stewards as well as LFC stewards at the final turnstiles. Once inside the away section what is noticeable are the poor sight lines in the visitors section, marred by both fencing and Perspex type sheeting. You can not see the goalmouth from large areas ! which would encourage Liverpool fans to make to the upper areas which would undoubtedly lead to congestion and safety fears. THE CONDITIONS INSIDE THE STADIUM ARE POOR
• Security arrangements for entry – how many cordons and where? What actions expected at which cordon, eg ticket check, bag and body search?
Fiorentina have requested that relevant supporters details be included on each ticket and the authorities have indicated that the tickets will be checked accordingly. At the pre visit there was no talk of checks prior to arrival at the stadium but I am aware that when Everton played there 2 seasons back there were ticket checks carried out at a series of barriers.
• Prohibited items – in particular any departures from the usual UEFA guidelines: coins? Cameras?
Prohibited Items are similar to those in the UK. Flags without Poles are allowed.
• Transport to the ground – what are the recommended routes from the city centre etc? Is there any special match-day provision in addition to usual public transport? Is public transport free to ticket holders?
The stadium is close to the ‘Firenze Campo di Marte’ which is accessible from the city centre main station, ‘Santa Maria Novella., a number of buses, the 7, 17 or 20 will also take supporters to the stadium. We have been informed that at 08.00hrs on the day of the game a ‘Fans zone’ will be set up close to the Visiting Supporters Sector, close to the stadium. Part of the arrangements organised include ‘Free’ shuttle buses to and from the city centre to the Fans zone, this free service is scheduled to run from 10.00hrs to 19.00hrs, These buses can be found at the Mandela Forum, The Paizza Indipendenza and the Santa Maria Novella Central Train Station.
• Transport away from the ground – not such a silly question: what times are last trains and buses etc? Is travel still possible after extra time and penalties?
We have been informed that Liverpool supporters will be held back in the stadium for about 20 minutes (we anticipate that it may be longer ! ) Supporters on organised day trips will be collected by their coaches for a return journey back to the airport. We have been informed that both trains and buses will be available for supporters who wish to travel back to the city centre
• Facilities in and around the ground – are there bars or food outlets near the stadium? What’s available inside the ground itself?
Access to the toilet areas for both sectors is on ground level, males and females have to go below ground level by walking down/up a narrow concrete staircase. The signage is poor., The actual toilets are the Continental type ‘on the floor’, they are not the best in the world Refreshment facilities are available to. There are plenty of bars and food outlets in the area of the stadium
• Disabled facilities – what arrangements are made for fans with disabilities? Is there disabled parking at the ground?
Facilities are available and agreement was reached for 10 spaces plus 10 carers. Disabled supporters planning to travel to this event are advised to contact the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association (LDSA) for advice. Write to LDSA Liverpool Community Department Bridge Chapel Centre Heath Road L19 4XR or e-mail colin.mccall@liverpoolfc.tv
• Fans without tickets – what provision, if any, is there for fans without tickets to watch the game? Any big screens? Is the game being televised locally, in bars etc?
As previously indicated the Authorities are planning on sighting a ‘Fans Zone’ for Liverpool fans near to the stadium. In addition to free transport to and from the city centre throughout the day, Facilities promised include English-speaking staff to assist Liverpool fans. Toilets, bars and food outlets. From 3.00pm a large screen will play music videos. From 18.00hrs we have been informed that ACF Fiorentina will provide free food and water to Liverpool fans. Outside the ‘Fans Zone’ before the opening of the stadium gates, a show of flag wavers in traditional costumes will perform for the Liverpool fans. Emergency health ( First Aid) will also be available. No tickets are available, we are aware that there are numerous websites advertising tickets in all parts of the stadium. Many of these so called agencies promise tickets for the fixture but we are hearing more and more stories of supporters paying exorbitant prices to these agencies only to discover that there are no tickets. Liverpool supporters are advised not to travel without a valid ticket for this event. Those that do are advised to remain in the city centre and watch it in the numerous bars and enjoy the atmosphere
• Black market tickets – what is the local legislation regarding black market ticket sale? Is selling an offence? Is buying an offence? Will English fans with tickets for non-English areas of the ground be allowed in?
Fans are requested not to travel to this event without being in possession of a valid ticket for the correctly allocated area. As with most European countries there is a problem with regard to ‘black market ticket sales’ but Police action in this area is minimal.
• Other local legislation – what other laws do fans need to be aware of? Is drinking in the street legal? Is smoking banned in enclosed public places? What are the drink-driving limits or other special motoring rules?
Merseyside Police would advise travelling supporters not to drink any alcohol if they plan to drive a motor vehicle. They should also drive with care and in a proper manner when driving a motor vehicle abroad. There is no restriction on the selling of alcohol that we have been made aware of.
• Flags – is there any facility for fans to gain early access to the stadium to hang flags or banners? Can they then leave and come back later for the game?
We have been informed that supporters cannot access the stadium to hang their flags prior to entry to the stadium opening on the day of the game. As indicated no poles will be permitted. They must take the flags with them post match
• ID – is it a legal requirement to carry ID? Will a photocopy of a passport do?
There are no special requirements however it is recommended that fans carry a Passport or other means of identification with them at all times.
• Any other business – are there any other matters fans should be aware of? Areas of the city to avoid? Local customs to be observed and respected?
At the Pre Match information meeting the Florence Authorities clearly went out of their way to ensure that Liverpool fans would be welcomed to their city and to the stadium and they are looking to be twinned with Liverpool. They are fierce rivals of Juventus. The authorities did issue strong advice that misbehaviour’ by anyone would not be tolerated and that visitors need to respect their monuments, culture and law.
Logged