UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Police have enforced a dispersal order ahead of Southampton’s home match against Millwall as officers step up measures to prevent disorder.
The city center and portions of Woolston and Bitterne are covered by the 12-hour order, which begins at 10:00 GMT.
According to the police, it will help ensure public safety and let cops handle any problems that might affect the 15:00 Championship game attendees.
It grants officials the authority to order someone to leave the dispersal area and not return for a predetermined amount of time.
Refusing to cooperate will be considered a criminal offense and may result in arrest.
Throughout the order, police will be on patrol.
Insp Tim Williams said:
“We have put this order in place to ensure that fans can enjoy the game in a safe environment and to ensure that we can respond swiftly and decisively to anyone seeking to cause disruption.
Public safety is always our priority and I hope this dispersal order sends a clear message that we will take action against anyone whose behaviour threatens that.
If you see our officers in the area, please don’t hesitate to speak with them if you have any concerns.”
What reasons did the police give for imposing the dispersal order?
Police said the disbandment order was assessed to help football- related complaints and anti-social behavior linked to the Southampton and Millwall institution, and to insure the safety of sympathizers, businesses, and residents around St Mary’s Stadium.
Officers stressed intelligence about implicit flashpoints involving rival fans and the threat of alcohol ‑ fuelled disturbances in the megacity centre and routes to the ground.
The force framed the order as a preventative measure to allow families to attend the match safely, reduce the liability of importunity, alarm or torture, and give police clear powers to move on anyone seeking to beget trouble.