Police issue advice to Spireites and Stags ahead of Saturday's derby

Derbyshire Police say they’re aware of the significance of the fixture for relegation-threatened Chesterfield and their promotion chasing visitors Mansfield Town.

But they’re out to ensure everyone enjoys the match and goes home safely.

The match commander in charge of policing for this weekend’s local derby fixture, chief superintendent Jim Allen said: “Whilst the vast majority of football fans are law abiding people who attend the football to enjoy the match day experience, there are, on occasion, small pockets of fans who risk ruining that experience for others by engaging in disorder.

“We recognise that this could be a very important fixture in the history of both clubs and our aim is to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment at the match, in the town and in the surrounding areas on Saturday.

“Our goal is to keep disruption to a minimum for both fans and local residents, and we ask for the co-operation of supporters from both sides in our effort to do so.”

One of the police measures to maintain order might be to keep Stags fans in the ground until it is empty of home supporters.

“Fans are advised to expect a significant police presence, including mounted police and measures are being taken to limit opportunities for disorder,” added chief superintendent Allen.

“This may include a staggered exit from the stadium at the end of the game, where Mansfield supporters are advised to remain seated until the home fans have left the stadium. If this is necessary, we have worked with the club to ensure that access to toilets and smoking areas will be available.

“Further advice regarding this exit strategy will be issued at a later date.

“However, I would like to stress that anyone who misbehaves at this game will be swiftly dealt with. This should be a memorable day out for fans purely to enjoy sport and not for any other reason.”

A police statement also reminded fans that arrests and convictions for football related offences, along with breaches of ground regulations, could result in bans that prevent supporters from attending future games at the Proact or Field Mill.