Police combat trouble makers for derby clash

Cheshire Police are preparing a special anti-hooliganism operation to combat troublemakers who may target the First Division clash with Stoke City on the 28^th February at Gresty Road. The two clubs have not met at the Alex since 1998, when we ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Ashley Westwood and Chris Lightfoot. Inspector Jeff Crowe of Crewe Police Station said that the fixture “had a history of strong rivalry”, meaning that the ground and surrounding area will witness a high police presence similar to that of Cardiff last May and Wigan in December last year.

Pubs have been advised to close before the match kicks off, as well as taking extra precautions to combat violence from the travelling City fans. Stoke City have sold all 2200 tickets for the mid-table clash through their True Supporters Scheme, an initiative set up to bring an end to their supporters tainted past. However, despite Stoke's efforts to fight hooliganism, Police believe that Stoke fans with indecent intentions may get their hands on tickets or simply travel to the game to cause trouble.

Crewe have already told any Alex fans who sell or pass on tickets for the home areas to Stoke fans will face serious consequences, and any Stoke supporters who wish to get in will be swiftly dealt with.