Aldershot Town vs Woking - Hampshire Police issue dispersal order to remove troublemakers

Police have issued a dispersal order ahead of Aldershot Town taking on Woking in the National Football League on Boxing Day.

The match kicks of at 3pm at the EBB Stadium, and police have been given more powers to take action against potential troublemakers.

Officers have been authorised to use dispersal powers under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, between 10.30am today (Thursday 26 December) and 3am on Friday 27 December.

The order has been put in place following reports of a minority of spectators engaging in anti-social behaviour at recent matches involving the two clubs.

District Commander, Chief Inspector Gillian Cox said: "Our priority, as always is public safety. We want to make sure the majority of football fans who do not engage in anti-social behaviour can enjoy today's match.

"This festive season we want to make sure this match is remembered for all the right reasons. We want all home and visiting supporters to enjoy the game and look after each other.

"The dispersal zone is in place so that we have the powers to help those in the area and remove anyone causing trouble.

"We are telling you this in the hope that we do not have to use these powers, however they are there if we need them to ensure the safety of the public, which is our main priority.

“There will be a policing presence across Aldershot today to ensure the safety of everyone and we are confident that we have a wide range of different tactics available to us to keep people safe.

"This match is not an excuse for anti-social behaviour and we will take a firm approach to anyone ruining the day for real football fans.

"It is important our communities know what we are doing to tackle anti-social behaviour and we hope this dispersal zone and policing operation will make that minority of fans reconsider their actions.

"If you see our officers today please feel free to say hello or report anything in the area you're concerned about

“Thank you to the community for your support and assistance, be safe, be responsible and we hope you enjoy the game.”

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