Dispersal order to be put in place for Middlesbrough match

Cleveland Police is working closely with Middlesbrough Football Club to ensure the safety and security of fans and the local community during tomorrow's match at the Riverside Stadium.

A dispersal order will be put in place from 3.00pm until 11.00pm on Tuesday 9^th January as Middlesbrough welcome Chelsea for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The dispersal order gives police the power to order groups to leave the area immediately. Those who return to the area during the specified time period can be arrested for breaching the order. 

Match Commander, Chief Superintendent Dave Sutherland, said: “We’re sure all Middlesbrough and Chelsea fans will be looking forward to watching the match and recognise the majority will be law-abiding people who simply want to enjoy the football.

“We understand that football often involves competitiveness between fans supporting different teams and that is natural, but there is no place in football, or our communities, for disorder, violence or hate crime.

“There is never an excuse, and Cleveland Police will deal robustly with anyone committing these offences through prosecution and football banning orders. Ultimately, we want to ensure all supporters can have a safe and enjoyable time.”

Anyone with information regarding crime or disorder associated with this match is encouraged to call Cleveland Police on 101.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111.

The order covers the area around the stadium (pictured below) including; River Tees Deepwater Wharf, Cargo Fleet Lane (A171), Longlands Road (A1085), Marton Road, Park Road South, Valley Road onto Cumberland Road, Devonshire Road, Roman Road, Ayresome Green Lane, Heywood Street (A1032), Newport Bridge Approach Road (A1032), Newport Bridge and the River Tees.