Sunday sees the Community Shield football match at Wembley in north London between rival clubs Manchester United and Manchester City.
The Met Police says that the priority of all those involved in the policing plan for this event, is to ensure the safety and security of the local community and fans who are attending.<br><br>The force says that they are well aware of the challenges associated with policing high profile events and have put together an appropriate policing operation led by an experienced command team.<br><br>This has been developed following close liaison between Wembley National Stadium Ltd, British Transport Police, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the two football clubs.<br><br>Anyone intent on attending the match to cause trouble will be dealt with robustly. As is usual for a high profile game, teams of Football Intelligence Officers (spotters) from the MPS and GMP will also be on the look out for anyone on a Football Banning Order, ticket touts or anyone causing trouble.<br><br>Police are offering the following advice to those going along to the match:<br><br>o Wembley Stadium is a public transport only venue. As such we advise travel by public transport only.<br><br>o We advise ticket holders only to travel to Wembley Stadium<br><br>o Plan your journey in advance and check travel advice via the TfL website.<br><br>o Check the information on your ticket and the Wembley Stadium website regarding access to the Stadium. Allow time for possible queuing and a search regime at the turnstiles.<br><br>o Keep all your belongings with you at all times.<br><br>o Report anything suspicious to staff or police.<br><br>Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry, Police Commander for the event said: "This friendly match is a great way to kick off the football season and for fans and families to see some good football in a world famous venue. I would say to anyone who is coming along with the aim of causing trouble that we have a range of tactics in place to deal with these disruptions and I advise them to stay away and let the genuine fans enjoy the game."
