A major police operation will be in place for Oxford United's derby match against Reading at the Kassam Stadium on Wednesday. Thames Valley Police confirmed a 'highly visible and comprehensive' plan to manage crowd safety for the 19:45 GMT kick-off, as the team, currently third in League One on 22 points, prepares for a key fixture.
Superintendent Jennifer Hogben, the tactical commander, said the fixture is expected to attract significant interest. "We will not tolerate violence, disorder, antisocial behaviour or criminality of any kind," Hogben stated.
Dispersal orders under Section 35 powers will be active from 11:00 on Wednesday until 01:00 on Thursday in designated areas of Oxford city centre, Blackbird Leys, and near Didcot Parkway and Reading rail stations. A Section 60AA order also grants officers the power to require the removal of face coverings. The operation involves mounted units, police dogs, tactical cyclists, drone teams and close work with British Transport Police, both clubs, and local authorities.
The match, originally postponed in August at police request, sees Oxford United in strong form. They sit third in League One with 22 points from 11 games and are unbeaten in their last five, a run of three wins and two draws. Their most recent result was a 1-0 home victory over Stockport County last Tuesday, with Mark Harris scoring the decisive goal. This recent form, which also includes draws against Bradford and Mansfield Town and wins over Wigan and Notts County, has seen the team score 19 goals while conceding only 10 this season. The team's strong defensive record includes conceding goals in just 9.1% of their total minutes played this season, a key factor in their high league position.
Hogben also urged parents and guardians to be aware of their children's whereabouts on the evening of the match. Police emphasised that the vast majority of supporters are attending to enjoy the football and asked all fans to arrive in good time and follow stewarding directions.
Oxford United's focus then turns to a trip to face 23rd-placed Barnsley this Saturday, 31 October. The full fixtures schedule shows a busy period ahead as the club aims to close the three-point gap to league leaders Huddersfield Town. Following the derby, the team's next fixture is away against Barnsley on Saturday, 31 October. Top scorer Mark Harris, with five goals this season, will be a key figure as the team looks to maintain its unbeaten run.
Background and full detail: bbc.co.uk
