Spirit of Shankly, Merseyside Police, both clubs and EFC supporter groups attended a police liaison meeting on Thursday afternoon in lieu of the derby at Anfield on 1 April 2017.

At the meeting, Merseyside Police indicated there had been a slight increase in hostilities and anti-social behaviour at the past two derbies, both inside and outside of each stadium. A major issue is missiles being thrown by both sets of supporters

This was highlighted ahead of the match on Saturday and will be for the coming games following an incident at the recent game away to Manchester City, on 19 March. Merseyside Police have reported that a Liverpool FC fan lost the sight in one eye after being struck by an object thrown by home supporters.

Police and stewards (plus use of the club’s latest CCTV technology) will operate a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone found to be throwing any missile inside the ground on Saturday and beyond.

Overall, matchday policing will be as normal for the derby. But there is the possibility of a higher profile of deployment of police vehicles and extra officers around the city, due to heightened concerns following the Westminster attack. There is however no intelligence to suggest the game is a special risk.

Anti-social behaviour generally will be monitored, but there are no extra regulations relating to the sale of alcohol inside the ground.

As ever, SOS members and others attending the game are welcome to feedback any issues relating to policing and /or stewarding to [email protected]

Enjoy the game.