A MESSAGE FROM STRATHCLYDE POLICE
Liverpool Football Club 18 July 2008
On Saturday 2 August 2008, Liverpool FC play Glasgow Rangers FC in a prestigious pre season friendly and Strathclyde Police has issued some advice to fans travelling to Scotland.
Welcome to Glasgow and Ibrox Stadium
As the senior police officer (Divisional Commander) responsible for policing this area, may I take this opportunity to warmly welcome the supporters of Liverpool FC to Glasgow and Ibrox that day.
This should be a memorable and enjoyable occasion for all those attending and there will be a robust and effective policing plan put in place to ensure the safety of all those attending, as well as minimising disruption to the roads and rail network and the local community.
This occasion will be a massive event with a sell out crowd of 50,000 anticipated. Entry to the Stadium is by ticket only. Detailed planning has already commenced to ensure success on the day.
I appreciate fully that the vast majority of people attending football matches do so to enjoy themselves and my primary role is to ensure that they can in a safe environment. Unfortunately, there is a minority of people who use football matches as a cover to cause disorder and disruption. Please be reassured that there will be an effective and professional police response to anyone intent on causing disorder at this match.
I appreciate that some supporters may be attending Glasgow for the first time and I would like to inform you of the following:
Street Drinking
There are byelaws in place prohibiting the drinking of alcohol in a public place. It is even an offence to carry an open container of alcohol. Please note that police officers will vigorously enforce this legislation at all times. If you drink alcohol on the streets of Glasgow, you may find yourself receiving a £40 fixed penalty fine. Consequently, please do not consume alcohol in the streets of Glasgow.
Likewise there is no alcohol or controlled containers (i.e. anything designed to hold liquid e.g. cans, bottles etc) of any kind allowed within the Stadium.
Drunkenness
Please drink sensibly on the day. It is an offence to be drunk or even attempt to enter the stadium whilst drunk. Police and Stewards will be extremely alert to this and any person attempting to enter whilst drunk may be arrested. Why run the risk of missing the match?
Drinking/Carrying Alcohol on Buses
Again the consumption and carriage of alcohol on buses to and from the event is prohibited by legislation. It is not only the person found in possession of alcohol that runs the risk of being charged. The hirer of the bus, the driver and the convenor all run the risk.
For your information, there will be a significant police operation conducted to detect such offences and you may find your supporters’ bus being stopped and searched by the police. Consequently, I seek your co-operation in this.
Similarly, the consumption of alcohol on trains is forbidden and British Transport Police will be enforcing this legislation.
There will be a full traffic management plan in place to ensure the free flow of traffic to and from Ibrox. This plan will be published fully using a variety of media outlets. Please monitor the official Glasgow Rangers FC website as well as
http://www.strathcyde.police.uk As the date of this event draws closer, I will ensure that all necessary communication is made available. Should you require further information I offer my Operational Planning Unit on 0141 532 5594 or contactus@strathclyde.pnn.police.uk
To re-iterate, please enjoy this occasion, irrespective of the result. Should you require any information or help on the day, Strathclyde Police will be on hand to assist all visitors. Please feel free to approach any officer. You will be treated with respect, courtesy and friendliness.
I wish you a memorable visit to Glasgow and Ibrox Stadium on 2 August 2008.
Robin Howe
Chief Superintendent
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Better behave meself then
